Wandering Prevention: Less Stress, Anxiety and Fear for All

Wandering Prevention: Less Stress, Anxiety and Fear for All

Wandering is one of the most dangerous and scary issues associated with dementia.

You can decrease the chances of wandering by focusing on triggers and creating a safe environment. This can mean less stress, anxiety and fear for all.

Facts about wandering:

• It can happen in ANY stage of the disease. • A person who has wandered once is at increased risk for it to happen again. • The best wandering prevention is before a wandering incident ever occurs.

Causes, Triggers and Warning Signs for Wandering:

• Boredom, restlessness and a lack of physical activity. • Frustration or anger with their caregiver, feeling the need to

“get away” from them. • Feeling that they need to “get home” though they are home. • Not being able to find someone, something, or someplace. • Trouble finding the bathroom and opening an exterior door. • Delirium or confusion from a

UTI or dehydration. • A move to a new, unfamiliar location. • A person who is high energy and constantly moving.

Wandering Prevention:

• Physical and mental activities throughout the day to prevent that bored and restless feeling. • Be positive and reassuring so that you are not the reason they want to leave. • If they say, “I want to go home,” be comforting and reassuring rather than telling them that they are home. • Don’t leave them alone. • Be sure their bodily needs are met – Are they hungry or thirsty? Do they need to use the toilet? • Increase lighting. A shadowy house can feel unfamiliar. • Put bathroom signs on the bathroom door. • Put stop signs on the front door or cover them with a camouflage poster. • Install barriers and alarms on doors and windows. • Get a wearable GPS device. • Let your neighbors know your family member is a wandering risk.

Editor’s Note: This article was written by Amy Kowinsky, Executive Director of Dementia360. Dementia360 is a Presbyterian SeniorCare Network support program for family caregivers of people living with dementia. For more information about Dementia360, call 412.435.8950, email Dementia360@SrCare.org or visit our webpage at PSCNDementia360.org. See our ad on page 168.

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