Wandering in Dementia-how to keep them safe
Why Do People With Dementia Wander?
Wandering refers to a behavioral symptom that is characterized by aimless and repetitive movement, disorientation, and confusion about one’s surroundings. People with dementia who wander may walk aimlessly, pace back and forth, or try to leave a safe environment. Wandering can occur at any time, however its more common during the late afternoon or evening, when individuals with dementia may become more agitated or restless. This behavior can be dangerous, as it increases the risk of falls, injuries, and getting lost. It is important to understand the underlying causes of wandering and develop strategies to prevent or manage this behavior.
Here are some common reasons why people with dementia may wander:
Disorientation and Confusion
Confusion is a common symptom of dementia, and it can lead to wandering behavior. People with dementia may become disoriented and have difficulty recognizing familiar surroundings. This can result in them walking aimlessly in an attempt to find familiar objects or places. They may also forget where they are going, or become lost, causing them to wander in search of direction. In some cases, people with dementia may feel a sense of urgency or agitation due to their confusion, causing them to pace or walk in circles. Understanding the underlying causes of wandering in people with dementia is important in order to develop strategies manage the behavior.
Boredom or Restlessness
Boredom is a common experience for people with dementia, as they may have limited opportunities for stimulation or social interaction. It can increase the risk of wandering behavior in people with dementia, as they may seek out stimulation or socialization by walking around. They may also become restless and feel trapped or isolated in their environment, leading them to wander in an attempt to escape or find something to do. Addressing boredom one area of dementia care that can never be overlooked. Providing opportunities for engagement, such as social activities, or exercise programs, can help reduce boredom and decrease the risk of wandering.
Medication Side Effects
Some medications used to treat dementia or other health conditions can cause confusion, dizziness, or changes in sleep patterns, which can contribute to wandering behavior. For example, some antipsychotic medications may have sedative effects that disrupt the sleep-wake cycle, leading to increased restlessness and confusion at night. Other medications, such as benzodiazepines, may cause dizziness or disorientation, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. It is important to monitor medication use in people with dementia and work with a healthcare provider to adjust dosages or change medications if side effects are contributing to wandering or other behavioral symptoms.
Sleep Disturbances
Changes in the sleep-wake cycle can disrupt circadian rhythms and contribute to restlessness and confusion, especially at night. As a result, people with dementia may wake up feeling disoriented, and may wander in an attempt to find familiar objects or places. Sleep disturbances can also lead to increased anxiety or agitation, making it more difficult for people with dementia to stay in bed or in one place. Strategies to reduce sleep disturbances, such as providing a quiet and comfortable sleeping environment, encouraging daytime activity, and addressing underlying medical conditions, can help decrease the risk of wandering in people with dementia.
What are some strategies to prevent wandering?
Wandering can pose a significant risk to the safety of people with dementia. When planning dementia care, it is essential to take steps to address this behavior to ensure their well-being. Here are some strategies that can help prevent wandering in people with dementia:
Ensure Safety at Home
It is important to create a safe environment for the person with dementia. This may include removing tripping hazards, installing safety devices such as handrails or grab bars, and ensuring that medications and hazardous substances are stored safely out of reach.
In some cases, it may be a good idea to consider installing alarms or sensors that can alert caregivers if the individual with dementia attempts to leave the house.
It is important to remember that these interventions are not to infantilize the person with dementia. Their safety must be ensured while maintaining their dignity
Engagement
Engage individuals with dementia in activities that they enjoy. Things such as music therapy, art projects, or games will bring them happiness and joy as well as keeping them busy.
Additionally, activities that provide cognitive stimulation, such as puzzles or memory games can help maintain their cognitive abilities and reduce the risk of wandering.
Consider hobbies and activities they took part in before their diagnosis of dementia…if they enjoyed those things before they probably still will! Dementia care should be fun for you both!
Maintain a Routine
Establish a consistent daily routine that provides structure and familiarity. Consider setting consistent times for waking up, eating meals, and going to bed. Use visual aids, such as calendars or clocks, to help the person with dementia understand the routine and anticipate what comes next. While it is important to establish a routine, it is also important to be flexible and adapt to the changing needs and abilities of the person with dementia. Be patient and understanding if things don’t always go smoothly. Truth is, sometimes they won’t.
Provide Adequate Supervision
it is important to supervise a person with dementia to ensure their safety and well-being. Dementia can cause changes in memory, judgment, and reasoning, which can lead to confusion and disorientation. This can increase the risk of accidents, falls, and wandering. Supervision can help prevent these risks and provide assistance when needed.
Supervision can take many forms, depending on the person’s abilities and needs. For example, you may need to provide constant supervision to ensure the person with dementia does not wander or engage in unsafe behaviors. Alternatively, you may only need to check in on the person periodically, depending on their level of functioning and independence.
By providing supervision and creating a safe environment, you can help reduce the risk of accidents, falls, and wandering, and ensure the person with dementia receives the care and support they need.
Identification
Ensuring that a person with dementia always has identification on them is important, as it can help others identify them and return them safely home if they become lost or disoriented. Some ideas include:
Identification jewelry, such as bracelets or necklaces, that include the person’s name, address, and emergency contact information.
Identification cards, which include their name, address, and emergency contact information. You may also include a recent photograph to aid in identification. You could tuck this in their pocket every morning, just in case.
Consider using a GPS tracker device, which can help you locate the person with dementia if they become lost.
Label the person’s clothing with their name and contact information, which can help others identify them if they become lost.
Keep a recent photograph of the person with dementia with you at all times, which can aid in identification if needed.
Medication Management
There are medications that may help manage some of the symptoms associated with dementia, such as agitation, aggression, and anxiety, which can contribute to wandering behavior.
It is important to note that medication should be used judiciously in people with dementia. Medications may have an increased risk of adverse side effects, such as confusion, falls, and delirium. In addition, medication should only be used as part of a comprehensive care plan that includes non-pharmacological interventions. Non-pharmacological interventions include things such as behavioral therapy, environmental modifications, and caregiver education and support.
Consulting with a healthcare provider who specializes in dementia care is important. They can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan for managing symptoms and behaviors associated with dementia.
Communicate
Effective communication can play an important role in reducing wandering in a person with dementia. Many people with dementia wander as a result of feeling lost, disoriented, confused, or afraid. By communicating effectively with a person with dementia, caregivers can help reduce these feelings and help the person feel more secure and connected to their environment.
Plan Outdoor Activities
Plan outdoor activities with the individual with dementia, such as going for a walk or gardening. This can help reduce restlessness and provide a sense of purpose, reducing the risk of wandering. Creating a safe outdoor area with secure fencing and comfortable seating can allow the person with dementia to enjoy fresh air and sunshine without the risk of wandering away.
Seek Professional Help
Dementia is a complex condition that can present a range of challenges for both the person with dementia and their caregivers. Seeking professional help can provide valuable support and resources to help manage the many physical, emotional, and cognitive changes associated with dementia.
Professional help may include working with a healthcare provider who specializes in dementia care, such as a geriatrician or a neurologist, as well as a care team that includes social workers, nurses, and more. A care team can provide a comprehensive assessment of the person’s physical, cognitive, and social functioning. They can then develop an individualized care plan that addresses their unique needs and preferences.
Professional help may also include accessing community resources, such as adult day programs, or support groups, which can provide valuable relief for caregivers.
By working with a professional care team, caregivers can access the resources and support they need. This will assist them in providing the best possible dementia care while also taking care of themself.
We hope this list gave you some ideas on how to address wandering with dementia.
If you are interested in learning more about the symptoms of dementia, check out this post!
We also have some great card games which may be suitable for some people with dementia. Learn about them here!
If you need help finding ways to help someone with dementia find their way around the house, click here.
Thank you for stopping by! Please feel free to reach out below, we love to connect with other members of the dementia community!
