Four tips for handling wandering

by ElderCarelink

For individuals with dementia, such as Alzheimer's, confusion and/or disorientation can make it difficult to not only recognize other people, but their location. At times, this confusion can lead to wandering, events where a loved one may become lost.

 When wandering becomes an issue, family members may ultimately decide that nursing home care is the best option for their loved one. However, in many cases, individuals with Alzheimer's or dementia may actually do better at home, living in their familiar surroundings.

 The question remains: how can family members keep their loved ones safe at home and deal with wandering?

 Four tips for handling wandering

 1. Make the home safe. Safety gates, door alarms and other modifications are available to keep your loved one safe.

 2. Make sure your loved one wears a medical ID. If your loved one does wander, a bracelet, necklace or other form of ID can help others get them home safely.

 3. Notify your neighbors. Be sure to tell your neighbors about your loved one's Alzheimer's and/or dementia. Ask them to contact you if they see your loved one wandering.

 4. Hire an in-home care professional. In-home care providers can help supervise and care for your loved one.

 Family caregivers can quickly become overwhelmed when attempting to provide full-time supervision of a loved one with Alzheimer's. Before finding yourself in such a position, consider turning over some personal care tasks to a professional caregiver.

 A. Help with disorientation. Wandering often occurs when routines are disrupted by memory loss. An in-home caregiver can assist your loved one to maintain a routine and assist them with daily activities such as grooming, bathing and eating.

 B. Help with activities. Boredom and inactivity may lead to instances of wandering. An in-home care provider can help a loved one with activities to keep them stimulated. Example activities include card games, setting the table, conversation, dancing and more.