Dealing With a Wandering Person With Dementia

A person with dementia may wander at any time, but it can be particularly dangerous during the early stages of the disease. There are many things you can do to minimize your risk for losing a loved one.

Avoid key triggers – Store items that could prompt someone to leave (coats, hats, mail for posting, purses) out of sight. Also, keep a clear path from the house to the outside.

Plan meaningful activities – When your loved one is engaged in a number of activities and experiences a sense of accomplishment, they are less likely to wander. Personal Medical Alarms Encourage them to exercise, make art or crafts, watch videos of nature or other stimulating activities.

Understand the reason for the wandering behaviour – The reasons vary from person to person, but some are related to memory loss. They may be seeking something from the past (a partner who has died, a lost friend or their childhood home) or trying to "go home" after spending time in an unfamiliar place.

Identify the times of day that your relative is most likely to wander and plan engaging activities then.

Take preventative measures – Regularly check your loved one’s basic needs, including toileting, nutrition and water. Ensure they have access to safe, well-lit areas where they can rest and use the restroom, and that the house is secured so they cannot escape.

Consider enrolling your loved one in a safe-return program, such as MedicAlert or the Alzheimer’s Association, to receive a medical bracelet and access to 24-hour support if they do wander off. Also, have a recent photo of your relative handy to alert police should the need arise.