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Dementia wandering can be a dangerous event. The elderly can get lost in unsafe places, suffer a fall and become injured, or be exposed to harsh weather. By practicing safety measures, caregivers can reduce the likelihood of wandering by older adults with dementia.
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia affect how the brain functions. Two of the first abilities dementia patients lose are recent memories and spatial recall, which are critical for remembering locations. Seniors also have difficulty recalling why they left a specific area in the first place.
Seniors with dementia may wander in order to escape uncomfortable stimuli. As they leave, these aging adults may forget directions, face a hurdle on the planned route, or realize the place to which they intend to travel is a figment of their imagination or realistically inaccessible.
A decline in physical abilities can also cause a dementia patient to wander. The brain changes caused by dementia affect eyesight, spatial reasoning, and mobility. Incorrect depth perception can lead to seniors wandering away from an intended path. Signs may go unseen by seniors with impaired peripheral vision.
Visual-spatial problems are common, too. Seniors with dementia are unable to find everyday items, like keys, or navigate grocery store aisles, as their brains are no longer able to process visual clues. It is also difficult for these seniors to distinguish between two- and three-dimensional objects.
While wandering is not guaranteed to be 100 percent preventable, caregivers can reduce the likelihood of wandering in elderly individuals living with any stage of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Practical solutions include behavioral changes, the implementation of technology, and adequate preparation.
- Engage the senior
An active and engaged senior has less reason to wander. Caregivers are encouraged to provide the senior with structured activities throughout the day in an effort to reduce boredom and the accompanying nighttime restlessness. Physical exercise and mental stimulation are recommended.
- Modify the home
Motion-sensing devices and similar monitoring devices provide useful alerts to caregivers when seniors are left momentarily unsupervised. Hanging warning bells on doors likewise notifies caregivers when the door is opened. Additional solutions include installing sliding bolts above eye level and fencing the yard.
- Reduce noise levels
Confusion, fear, and agitation can occur when seniors are overstimulated by jarring noises, blaring sirens or even loud televisions. Seniors will try to escape these situations in favor of calmer and quieter places. Prevent wandering by creating a relaxing and soothing atmosphere.
- Meet basic needs
Discourage the aging adult from wandering at night by ensuring all basic needs, such as foods, liquids, and warmth, are met before bedtime. Help the senior use the bathroom before bed so that finding the toilet in the middle of the night does not become a reason to wander.
- Use a GPS system
Seniors with dementia can wander not only on foot, but while driving, too. If seniors with dementia are still capable of driving, use a GPS system to help if they get lost. Caregivers should remove access to car keys when dementia patients are no longer able to drive safely.
- Label common rooms
Prevent a senior with dementia from becoming disoriented by hanging signs on the doors to the bathrooms and bedrooms. Label furniture, too. Clearly write the senior’s name on the sign, such as “Fred’s favorite couch,” to eliminate the stress and discomfort of finding certain areas or objects.
- Camouflage exits
Paint the doors in the same color as the walls to prevent seniors with dementia from seeking exits. Alternately, hang matching removable wallpaper or curtains to conceal entries and exits. Also consider hanging “Do Not Enter” and “Emergency Exit” signs on doors.
- Regulate sleep
Encouraging dementia patients to enjoy a quality night’s sleep requires limiting naps during the day. Avoid serving beverages to the senior two hours before bed, as liquids can prompt a nighttime bathroom run. Leave games next to the bed in case the senior wakes up and feels bored.
- Safeguard the environment
Light the hallways with nightlights in the event the senior awakens at night to use the restroom. Sufficient lighting can prevent a fall and injury. Reduce clutter along the path to the bathroom for the same reason. Help the senior remain oriented by hanging arrows pointing toward the bathroom.
- Monitor the senior
A senior with dementia should never be left alone. Caregivers must accompany the senior in all environments, especially in new ones, such as restaurants, shops, and parks. If necessary, families should hire an in-home caregiver to ensure the senior remains monitored at all times.
Wandering is difficult to prevent all of the time. However, the abovementioned strategies can keep a senior living with dementia from serious harm or injury. Families will also find peace of mind when they hire a memory caregiver from Assisting Hands Home Care to care for the dementia patient.
Our home care agency is staffed with teams of dedicated memory caregivers who are trained to identify dementia symptoms, like forgetfulness, wandering, agitation, and incontinence, and respond with compassion and care. We keep seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia safe and comfortable.
Dementia care from Assisting Hands Home Care includes support with the activities of daily living. Caregiver responsibilities include help with personal hygiene tasks, meal preparation, grocery shopping, transportation to doctors’ offices and errands, timely medication reminders, light housekeeping, and pleasant companionship.
Companionship is crucial to dementia patients, who often feel isolated and lonely due to their progressive condition. Our caregivers stimulate the minds of seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia by playing games, joining them in recreational pursuits or hobbies, and taking them on safe outings.
Constant supervision is a requirement for seniors living with dementia. When you need a qualified memory care provider to provide regular monitoring and support at home, choose Assisting Hands Home Care. We are privileged to serve seniors in Burr Ridge, Lyons, Indian Head Park, McCook, Hodgkins, Countryside, Willow Springs, Palisades, La Grange Highlands, Clarendon Hills, Brookfield, Western Springs, Hinsdale, Darien, La Grange, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Willowbrook, Illinois and surrounding areas.
