If you’ve noticed your loved one starting to wander, it’s natural to feel worried for their safety.

Wandering behaviors – like pacing, attempting to leave the house, or getting lost – are common in individuals with dementia. They tend to increase as the illness develops and can be dangerous if not addressed. 

This is often a confusing and frightening experience for anyone involved, and it can be difficult to know what to do to keep your loved one safe.

We understand, and we’re here to help. In this blog, we’ll talk you through what to do with dementia patients who wander, and how you can reduce the risk of wandering among dementia patients.

Understanding Wandering

Wandering behaviour occurs in up to 60% of people with dementia, making it a frequent and serious concern for families and caregivers. It can happen at any stage of the disease – often when the patient feels lost, disoriented, confused, restless, or agitated. And it often increases over time, due to visual-spatial problems and cognitive impairments that arise as the disease progresses. 

Your loved one may set out on a walk, for example, only to forget where they were going, or become confused on the way back. It’s important for caregivers to be aware of wandering behavior, and learn to spot the signs.

These might include: 

• Repetitive movements or fidgeting
• Pacing or restlessness
• Attempts to “go home” (when they are home) or leave a safe area

Assessing the risk for wandering is a vital step in protecting the personal safety of people with dementia. The next step is knowing how to help. 

Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of a loved one wandering and potentially getting themselves into danger, or causing themselves more confusion and stress.

How to prevent people with dementia wandering

Preventing wandering is a balancing act. You need to both understand the person’s feelings and needs and develop strategies to keep them safe. By identifying the risk of wandering and putting these measures in place, caregivers can respond quickly and effectively if a wandering incident occurs.

Identify triggers

There are a number of things that might trigger wandering, and understanding why a person with dementia wanders is the first step in trying to prevent it. Here are a few that might affect your loved one: 

• Unmet basic needs: Hunger, thirst, pain, fatigue, or needing to use the bathroom in the night, but being unable to find it.
• “Sundowning”: Nighttime confusion, often starting from dusk (or “sundown”) and sometimes lasting throughout the night.
• Lack of stimulation: Restlessness due to loneliness or boredom.

Caregivers should also be mindful that people with dementia may wander in search of past friends, familiar places, or former obligations, especially if they feel lost or disoriented. Figuring out the why, whatever it is, can help you better understand and prepare for wandering tendencies.

Create a secure environment

After identifying triggers, consider taking these steps to make their home environment as safe as possible:

• Ensuring doors and windows are locked so they can’t wander outside unaccompanied. 
• Keeping their car keys in a safe place so they can’t drive off while they’re confused. 
• Installing door alarms or safety gates to help prevent wandering., and try not to leave the dementia patient on their own in the home or in the car, if possible.

And while not every caregiver can stay with their loved one 24/7, try not to leave them on their own for too long – at home or in the car – if you can avoid it. Whether you’re a spouse, daughter, son, or carer, being there to support and reassure people with dementia when they’re feeling confused is the best thing you can do to reduce wandering.

Include them in your daily routine

Engaging your loved one in meaningful activities and regular exercise can help channel their energy and reduce restlessness, which are common reasons for wandering. Involving them in your daily plans helps to keep them stimulated throughout the day, whether it’s helping to fold the laundry, putting away the dishes, or running errands together.

Avoid overwhelming them

While under-stimulation can lead to wandering, over-stimulation can, too. A new or changed environment, a busy shopping center, or a loud, crowded restaurant can cause someone with dementia to feel disoriented or distressed. 

Observe how your loved one behaves when you’re out and about. If they seem to get confused or upset in certain places, don’t blame yourself – but do make a note of it and avoid those kinds of places going forward. 

GPS tracking devices and identification bracelets for dementia patients

Some people feel that using GPS devices or identification bracelets for dementia patients is somewhat controversial. It comes down to what each individual is comfortable with and what’s best for the safety of the patient. 

If your loved one has started to wander, using a tracking device can offer peace of mind, helping you or your family members find them and ensure they’re safe. Identification bracelets can be helpful, too, providing emergency contact information in case your loved one needs assistance after wandering.

Related: Find more apps to help people living with dementia!

Seeking professional help

Even with all of the tips above, and a list of emergency contacts like healthcare providers, local authorities, and crisis hotlines, dealing with wandering behavior can be overwhelming for many caregivers. 

But you don’t have to do it alone. There are online resources and support networks designed specifically for those caring for someone living with dementia. Look for online journals, blogs, and forums where caregivers like you can share your experiences, ask questions, and find advice on managing symptoms and behaviors like wandering.

Sundara Senior Living is here when you need us

Caring for someone with dementia isn’t easy, and it’s okay to ask for help. Support is here when you need it.

With our dedicated team of healthcare professionals, we offer more than just memory care. We create a safe space where people feel calm, connected, cared for, and engaged. 

If you’d like to learn more about how we can support you and your family, reach out to us today.