It can be troubling for caregivers to watch their loved one with dementia wander about aimlessly. They may walk around the house or wander off from the house. People who have Alzheimer’s or dementia can become disoriented and become lost easily outside. They are unable to find their way home. Dementia wandering can cause family members to be concerned and anxious about their safety. It is important to find solutions for dementia wandering to keep them safe. Read on to learn more about the tips for coping with dementia wandering!
Secure Your Home
Motion detectors can be a way to keep you notified so that your loved one does not leave the house unnoticed. One low-tech solution is to hang bells at the door or around the house so you know where they are in the home. If you have a garden, you can secure it with a fence and locks so your loved one can still get to enjoy the fresh air outdoors.
Redirect Them
Reassure your loved ones if they feel lost. Check to see that their needs are met as some needs can trigger the urge to wander. If they want to leave, dress them appropriately for the weather and make sure they wear shoes. Accompany them, reassure them and redirect them back safely. Going for a walk around the block may be sufficient to divert their attention.
Identification
Make sure your loved one brings proper identification with them at all times. Sew their name as well as a contact phone number into their bags or jackets. Medical identification, like a pendant or bracelet, can be helpful too. Dress your loved one in bright clothes that will make them easy to spot.
Find Them Quickly
GPS tracking devices may help you find them quickly if they ever get lost. Some devices can be worn around the ankle or wrist. Some of them sound an alarm if the bracelet and base unit becomes too far from each other. You can also use your phone to track your loved one’s location.
Plan Ahead
It is always wise to plan. You can notify your neighbors and the local shops that your loved one has dementia. They will help you to look out for them in the neighborhood. Make a crisis plan. Keep a list of contacts to quickly notify family, friends and neighbors if your loved one goes missing. Write down a list of places that your loved one might have wandered to, such as a previous workplace, family, friends’ houses, or a favorite restaurant.
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