Wandering

Wandering is a frequent problem for people who are suffering with Dementia and can have serious consequences if the person cannot safely look after themselves unaccompanied. Wandering is believed to be an unpredictable behaviour and will obviously be a very worrying problem for you as a caregiver. Wandering can be a sign that a person needs more stimulation, exercise or social interaction. It is important to find a solution that preserves the person's independence and dignity and does not make them feel restricted.

Causes of Wandering

Increased Forgetfulness

A person with Dementia may start an activity, forget what they were doing half way through, and wander off to do something else.

Memory Impairment

A person with Dementia may continually search for something from their past, such as a relative, place or a house.

Hyperactivity and Restlessness

Changes in the brain function have been known to cause this.

Changes in Surroundings

Rearranging the furniture, the layout of a room, or moving to a residential home or day centre could cause this.

Lifelong Habits

If a person previously enjoyed walking and was active in their life, they may continue to try to do this and leave the house or home without realising why.

Pain or Discomfort

The person may be experiencing some pain and find it hard to settle or they could be looking for someone who can give them some help, such as a doctor.

Perceived Threats

The person may feel threatened or uncomfortable in their environment and want to go somewhere else where they will feel safer.

What Can You Do?

Keep a Diary

This may help you to pick up on what may be causing the wandering.

Make the Garden Safe

Secure the perimeter of the garden and fix padlocks to any doors. Clear the area of any potential hazards so they can wander with relative safety there.

Keep Items Out Of Sight

Items that may be associated with wandering should be kept out of site to minimise the stimulation for the person to start wandering. This includes items such as shoes, hats, coats and keys.

Notify Neighbours

Tell neighbours, friends, and frequent local contacts about the person's wandering and ask them to contact you, or the police if they ever see them out alone.

Make Sure They Carrying ID

Identification such as an ID bracelet, or labels sewn inside clothes work well. Whatever method you use, make sure it is easily found and not easy for the person the remove.

Create Visual Barriers

Hide exits with mirrors, curtains, or by painting doors and door frames with the same colour as the surrounding walls in order to discourage the person from wandering.

Accompany Them

Make sure you accompany them if they cannot be discouraged from leaving. It may be possible to divert them and come straight back home before they stray too far.

Consider Alarms

Assistive Technology items such as door alarms will tell you when a door is being opened. Other items such as pressure sensor pads can tell you if a person gets out of bed during the night.

Lock Doors / Install Safety Devices

Make sure that all external doors are locked to avoid any chance of wandering outside the home. Keys need to be stowed safely, but make sure they can be located easily so that the door can be opened quickly in the event of an emergency.

Don't Panic

If a person with dementia disappears, the first thing to remember is to try not to panic. Inform the local police and make sure you have a recent photograph to help with identification. When the person returns, don't shout at them or show them that you are worried as they may be already be feeling anxious. Try to reassure them and then get them back into a familiar routine.