Often we receive panicked phone calls at our office from family members asking for respite and assistance inc caring for their loved one with dementia. One of the issues that often overwhelms a caregiver is the person who has the potential to wander and the risks associated with this behavior.
Wandering is the most common behavior of agitation among people with dementia. Health care statistics show that 6 in 10 dementia victims will wander at least once. Cities and communities are retraining their EMT and police in how to conduct searches for victims of dementia who may wander. At Freedom Eldercare training our caregivers about this potential risk and helping to alleviate the worries of the families is important to the services we provide.
Why does someone with dementia wander?
- They may be disoriented
- They may be bored or hungry
- They may feel pain or discomfort
- They may feel frightened or frustrated
- They may be searching - for the toilet, food, drink, a remedy for their pain, a bed, a familiar face
- They may be playing out an old routine – going home to make dinner for family, going to work, catching a bus
- They may be trying to escape a task, activity, noise or tension
The challenge is to find out some of the commonalities in the timing or occurrence of the behavior and this can only come through trial and error.
So, what are some tips:
- Simplify the environment - minimize confusion, distraction
- Cover door ways - hang drapes, curtains or posters (i.e. Pictures of bookshelves)
- Avoid the use of child-gates – clients can climb over them or kick them down
- Put coats or hats away in closets
- Walk with the client - when possible, gently redirect them back home or to a task
- Schedule regular daily walks - in or outside of the home
- Install alarms - notify when a door has opened
- Assess – what is going on at that moment?
- Label rooms – Use photos or signs to help eliminate confusion (bathroom, kitchen, bed.)
- “Safe Return” – register with the Alzheimer’s Organization
Freedom Eldercare can help care for your loved one with dementia. We provide skilled caregivers and support to families. Please call us at Freedom Eldercare 1.866.7.Freedom or go to www.freedomeldercare.com.
Comments