With the growing number of older adults, many of whom are living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, wandering has become a more frequent and concerning issue. A person with Alzheimer’s may become disoriented, even in familiar surroundings, and may not remember their own name or address. This behaviour poses serious risks, but fortunately, there are strategies and services designed to help prevent wandering.
It’s impossible to monitor someone every second of the day, and the constant worry can take a heavy toll on caregivers. You find yourself listening for every noise at night, or avoiding public places altogether. For those living apart from their loved ones, the stress and anxiety can be even greater.
What is wandering?
Wandering is a common behaviour in individuals, particularly the elderly, who may experience cognitive impairments such as dementia. It occurs when a person moves about aimlessly or with a specific intent but becomes disoriented or lost. This behaviour can pose significant safety risks, as individuals may leave their homes or familiar surroundings without the ability to find their way back.
For caregivers, managing wandering is crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of their loved ones. Understanding why wandering occurs and implementing preventive measures can help minimise the risks associated with this behaviour.
What causes wandering?
Wandering in elderly individuals, particularly those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, can be triggered by a variety of factors. Understanding these causes can help caregivers better manage and prevent wandering:
- Disorientation and memory loss: Cognitive decline, common in conditions like dementia, can lead to confusion about location or time. Individuals may forget where they are or believe they need to go somewhere familiar, like a former home or workplace.
- Restlessness or boredom: Some individuals may wander simply due to a need for stimulation or movement. Lack of engaging activities or physical exercise can lead to restlessness, prompting them to walk aimlessly.
- Unmet needs: Wandering can sometimes be an attempt to fulfil basic needs, such as going to the bathroom, searching for food, or finding a familiar place to rest.
- Stress or anxiety: Emotional distress can cause individuals to wander as a way to escape perceived threats or find comfort. Environmental changes or overwhelming situations can trigger this behaviour.
- Established routines: People with dementia may follow past routines, such as leaving the house at a certain time, which can result in wandering if they are unable to recognise their current situation.
Warning signs of wandering
Wandering and getting lost is a common behaviour in older adults, particularly those with cognitive impairments. Watch for these warning signs to help prevent wandering:
- Returning from a routine walk or drive later than usual
- Wanting to “go home,” or “to work”, even when at home or not employed
- Pacing or making repetitive movements which shows anxiety
- Having difficulty finding familiar places like the bathroom, bedroom, or other rooms in the house
- Asking about the whereabouts of current or past friends and family
- Appearing lost in a new or changed environment
- Setting out to do regular tasks, but being unable to complete them
Wandering and dementia
Wandering is a frequent and concerning behaviour seen in people living with dementia. As the disease progresses, cognitive decline often leads to memory loss, confusion, and disorientation, which can cause a person to become lost — even in familiar places. Wandering can occur at any stage of dementia, making it important for caregivers to be consistently attentive.
This behaviour can be triggered by various factors, including anxiety, boredom, confusion about time or place, or a desire to fulfil past routines, such as going to work or visiting familiar locations. Caregivers should watch for early warning signs like increased restlessness, agitation, or attempts to leave home. Taking preventive measures, such as ensuring a secure environment, creating structured routines, and using identification devices, can help reduce the risk of wandering while promoting the individual’s safety and well-being.
Tips to help prevent wandering
Preventing wandering in individuals, especially those with dementia or cognitive impairments, is essential to ensure their safety. Here are some effective strategies to help reduce the risk of wandering:
- Provide supervision. Never lock the person in at home or leave him or her in a car alone.
- Avoid busy places that are confusing and can cause disorientation. This could include shopping centres, grocery stores, or other busy venues.
- Make sure the person always carries ID. Keeping an ID in a person’s wallet isn’t enough, because he or she could remove it, either deliberately or accidentally. Medical ID jewellery, like a bracelet or pendant, is wise.
- Dress your loved one in bright clothing. Choose clothing that’s easy to see from a distance, especially if you’re going somewhere likely to be crowded.
- Carry out daily activities. Having a routine and daily plan can provide structure.
- Note the most likely times of day that wandering may occur. Plan activities at that time.
- Engage them in activities, exercise, and regular sleep. All of these can reduce anxiety, agitation, and restlessness.
- Reassure the person if he or she feels lost, abandoned, or disoriented. If the person wants to leave to “go home” or “go to work,” do not correct him or her. Say that he or she is safe, and you are there, then follow up with what you will be doing together.
- Ensure all basic needs are met. Check if the person needs the bathroom, or is thirsty or needs to eat. Some people tend to wander for these reasons.
At home:
- Place locks out of the line of sight. Install them either high or low on exterior doors, and place slide bolts at the top or bottom. You may also need to install bars on windows, and a fence around the garden.
- Put up signs. Hang a sign inside a door to the outside that says ”Stop” or ”Do Not Enter”. Put signs on other doors, like the one to the bathroom, so the person you’re caring for can see which door leads where, and won’t accidentally end up outside.
- Camouflage doors and door knobs. Paint them the same colour as the walls, or use child proof knobs. Try placing a black mat in front of the door, which may be perceived as a hole and will avoid exit seeking.
- Use devices that signal when a door or window is opened. This can be as simple as a bell placed above a door, or as sophisticated as an electronic home alarm.
- Keep car keys out of sight. People with dementia may drive off and be at risk of potential harm to themselves or others.
- Prevent night wandering. Make sure the person you’re caring for has restricted fluids two hours before bedtime and has gone to the bathroom just before bed. Also, use night lights.
When someone with dementia is missing
Begin search-and-rescue efforts immediately, and call 999. 94% of people who wander are found within 1.5 miles of where they disappeared. In addition:
- Ask neighbours, friends and family to call if they see the person alone.
- Keep a recent, close-up photo and updated medical information on hand for police.
- Know your neighbourhood. Pinpoint dangerous areas near the home, such as bodies of water, open stairwells, dense foliage, tunnels, bus stops and roads with heavy traffic.
- Is the senior right or left-handed? Wandering generally follows the direction of the dominant hand.
- Keep a list of places where the person may wander. This could include past jobs, former homes, places of worship, or a favourite restaurant.
Call us on 0808 239 1525, and our friendly care experts will discuss your care and support needs. You can also fill out our online enquiry form or email info@prestige-nursing.co.uk. We provide impartial guidance and advice so you make the right choice for you and your family.
