The Problem of Dementia Wandering

Wandering is a very real issue for many living with dementia, and therefore a big concern for their family caregivers and other loved ones. Six in 10 people who are living with dementia wander, and for many, it’s something that happens regularly.

Triggers for Wandering in Dementia

People typically associate wandering with Alzheimer’s disease, but it can also occur in people living with Parkinson’s disease, dementia, autism, a head injury, or the after-effects of a stroke.

In terms of what causes people with dementia to wander, there are several common triggers:

• Anxiety, stress, or fear in response to feeling overstimulated and confused. A loud noise could be a trigger, for example.
• Boredom. The individual may leave their home looking for something to do.
• Searching. The person may be looking for someone or something and become distracted and lost.
• Following past routines. Someone may still be accustomed to going to work or heading to the grocery store at a certain time of day.
• Dementia Stage. Every stage of dementia brings its own issues, and as far as what stage of dementia wandering happens in, it’s more common in middle or later stages.

Over time, dementia caregivers will learn about their loved one’s triggers for wandering, which will pinpoint which situations will require a bit of extra vigilance.

How to Prevent Wandering

It’s not possible, or advisable, that one person try to keep an eye on another every second of the day and night. A caregiver needs to factor in their own well-being and prevent stress and anxiety about their loved one wandering off.

Taking note of what triggers wandering in your loved one and setting up systems to ensure their safety will go a long way toward reducing your stress as a caregiver.

Routine-Related Wandering

First, notice if this person is wandering at the same time or day of the week or when a certain activity or event is occurring. If you know your loved one’s previous routine well, you might recognize that they wander when they’d normally be leaving for work or another regular event, such as breakfast preparations. Something in their routine and environment is triggering the wandering and it’s helpful to know that.

If you can pinpoint times of day when wandering is more likely, you can plan for extra caregiving attention or decide when it might be most beneficial to schedule in-home care for your loved one.

Boredom-Related Wandering

If it appears that a person living with dementia is bored, come up with meaningful activities to keep them engaged. Keep in mind that what is meaningful to the caregiver might not be to the care receiver. You likely have a good idea of what once brought your loved one joy: putting puzzles together? Fishing at a local pond? Watching a favorite show or movie? Maybe listening to music or spending time on a hobby.

Arranging for your loved one to participate in things they love can reduce the instances of boredom-related wandering.

Of course, not every hobby will be easy, or even possible, to undertake in the home. There might be a need for adaptation such as watching golf instead of playing it, for example.

Other Possible Wandering Triggers

Play detective to see if there’s an underlying cause. If it’s hunger or thirst, this could be addressed by providing a cup of water in the bedroom or stocking their favorite snack in the pantry.

Check to see if they’re comfortable. Is their room too hot or too cold? Too bright or dark? Is their clothing comfortable? Is there a particular noise that’s setting off the instinct to wander? Identifying your loved one’s wandering triggers will be worth it for the peace of mind.

Dementia Wandering at Night

Dementia nighttime wandering can be the most exhausting and worrisome to deal with. Consider increasing physical activity during the day so that the individual is tired and will be more likely to sleep through the night. This can be as simple as a walk around the block together, for those who are able.

A regular, relaxing sleep routine can also curb nighttime wandering. Routines reduce confusion and can also get your loved one into a relaxed state of mind so they sleep more soundly. This can include a soothing beverage, performing nighttime hygiene, and listening to calming music while settling into bed.

Security Tips to Help with Wandering

Other tips for making the home itself secure if the wandering continues include:

1. Putting a “do not enter” sign on exterior doors may be enough for a potential dementia wanderer to turn back.
2. Install night lights and label rooms (or doors to rooms) so that the bathroom, for example, can easily be found at all times. Consider using a photo of the room on the label, not just a word.
3. Secure possible tripping hazards such as throw rugs to minimize the risk of injury.
4. Install locks and alarms to keep your loved one from exiting the home without anyone knowing.

If there is still a concern that someone will wander away during a public outing, such as a trip to the grocery store or church, consider a tracking device that they wear at all times. There are different types of devices; some might be able to pinpoint a location and others may give a signal when the person gets beyond a certain distance away.

If the person wanders away from home or during an outing, it’s important to call the authorities immediately to get help. You should always have a recent photo of the person to provide to the police in case you need their assistance.

Get Dementia Caregiving Support

Dementia wandering prevention helps, but sometimes what you really need is an extra hand. Our professional, compassionate caregivers are ready to provide dementia care for your loved one up to 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Contact your local Homewatch CareGivers or call 888-404-5191 for a free consultation.