Problems with Wandering Understanding Dementia “My parents used to go for a walk together every morning but they stopped when my mother fell ill. When she passed away my father’s dementia got worse. He kept leaving the house on his own and would wander around the estate for hours. It was worrying and tiring, looking for him and trying to keep him at home. I now go for a walk with him every morning. It helps stop him from wandering off during the day and it’s good exercise for both of us.” Why does it happen? People with dementia may walk or pace around indoors or outside as a way of showing that they are upset or something is wrong.
What causes it? Physical causes • Being hungry, thirsty or needing the toilet • Wanting to go somewhere or do an old habit such as go for a daily walk • Changes to the brain causing confusion • Not knowing the difference between dreams and the real world Emotional causes • Restlessness or boredom • Feeling stressed, scared or lonely • Feeling helpless or useless • Loss of a regular routine • Searching for the past such as a place from their childhood or a family member who has died Their environment • Busy, noisy or crowded places • Being in a new place or with new people • Trying to work out where they are because of: - Poor memory - Poor vision, which can cause confusing shadows - Hearing loss, which can cause confusing and scary sounds
How can I prevent it? Keep them comfortable • Make sure they get enough food, drink and rest • Take them to the toilet regularly. • Keep the environment quiet and calm • Take them for a daily walk or do exercises together • Give them daily chores and activities to help them feel useful Communicate gently and clearly • Keep reminding them where they are. • Reassure them they are in the right place. • Use short, simple sentences. • Speak in a calm and normal voice • Try not to confront or argue with them. • Allow them to share their feelings Help them find their way • Put up signs on key doors such as the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom • Place a large clock by their bed so they can see the time • Put night lights along stairs in case they wander at night
How can I keep them safe? • Remove floor rugs, tidy up loose wires and make sure there is space for them to walk. • Lock up medications, cleaning products, alcohol, matches and knives. • Always keep walking sticks and frames in the same place. • Give them some identification to carry at all times. Include their: - Name - Address - Phone number - The words: “Memory impaired” What should I do if they want to leave the house? Do not try to stop them. Go with them for a walk or let them go and follow them to ensure they are safe. • Put away items that can trigger them to want to go out such as shoes, purse or house keys. • Keep a family photo album at hand in case they want to go out to look for family members or familiar items.
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
GRM.IE.11.0517