People living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia often experience wandering, a common and concerning behavioral symptom. Some signs of wandering could be returning late from a regular walk or drive later than usual; getting confused or lost on a typical route; talking about wanting to go “home”; having trouble finding a familiar place; becoming restless or pacing; or becoming anxious in crowded places.
Wandering can be caused by a variety of factors, often interrelated and influenced by the individual’s environment, health status, and stage of dementia. Here are some of the primary causes:
- Memory Loss: One of the most common symptoms of dementia is memory loss. Patients may forget where they are, even in familiar settings, or where they were going, leading to aimless wandering.
- Confusion About Time and Place: Dementia can impair a person’s understanding of time and place. They might think they need to be somewhere else, like a past job or childhood home, prompting them to wander in search of these places.
- Reliving Past Routines: Dementia patients might attempt to relive routines from their past, such as going to work or shopping, leading them to wander away from their current home or care facility.
- Stress and Anxiety: Stressful environments or situations can increase anxiety in dementia patients, causing them to wander. This is often an attempt to escape the source of their stress or anxiety.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain medications can increase confusion or restlessness, contributing to wandering behavior.
Understanding these triggers is crucial for caregivers and healthcare providers to develop effective strategies to prevent wandering and ensure the safety and well-being of individuals with dementia.
6 Tips to Prevent Wandering in Dementia Patients
1. Establish a Routine
Consistency is key. Having a structured daily routine that caters to the nutritional, hygiene, and social needs of your loved one can significantly reduce the inclination to wander. A routine provides a sense of familiarity and security, minimizing confusion and disorientation.
2. Engage in Activities
Restlessness is a common trigger for wandering. To mitigate this, it’s essential to organize simple, meaningful activities or social connections that keep your loved one mentally and emotionally engaged. This approach helps in redirecting their energy positively.
3. Use Visual Cues
For those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, simple visual aids can make a significant difference. Brightly colored signs can guide them to common areas, and labels on containers can help them identify contents, thus reducing confusion and the likelihood of wandering.
4. Minimize Hazards
Those with Alzheimer’s disease may not recall the layout of their living spaces. Removing objects like extra chairs or coffee tables that pose a tripping hazard or have sharp corners can make their environment safer and more navigable.
5. Implement Safety Measures
Installing subtle locks and alarms on doors and windows ensures that your loved one remains within safe boundaries. These measures offer peace of mind by alerting you if they attempt to leave the designated safe area.
6. Foster a Supportive Community
Informing family, friends, and neighbors about your loved one’s habits and potential wandering behavior equips them to provide assistance if they notice your loved one in an unfamiliar place.
Bridges by EPOCH’s Role in Supporting Dementia Patients
Bridges by EPOCH® memory care assisted living provides specialized care and support for individuals living with dementia. Recognizing the challenges of wandering, they implement several strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of their residents.
- Personalized Care Plans: Each resident receives a care plan tailored to their specific needs, incorporating routines and activities that reduce the urge to wander.
- Safe and Secure Environment: The facility is designed with the safety of dementia patients in mind, minimizing hazards and employing effective but discreet security measures.
- Engaging Programs: A range of activities and programs are offered to keep residents engaged and fulfilled, reducing feelings of restlessness or confusion that can lead to wandering.
- Community and Family Support: Bridges® by EPOCH fosters a sense of community among residents, staff and family members, ensuring everyone is informed and involved in the care process no matter the location.
By understanding the nature of wandering in dementia patients and implementing these preventive strategies, caregivers and facilities like Bridges® by EPOCH can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected and provide peace of mind to their families.