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What Is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia. The condition is progressive, meaning symptoms worsen over time. Typically, Alzheimer’s symptoms become severe enough to interfere with daily activities. Alzheimer’s is common; the condition accounts for about 60-80% of all dementia cases. The most well-known symptom is loss of memory. However, Alzheimer’s can also cause confusion, mood, or behavior changes, including the tendency to wander. Here’s what to know about addressing wandering in seniors.
Stick to the plan
A predictable environment is often much less stressful for people with dementia. In fact, research has shown that a structured, repetitive routine helps seniors feel calmer. Because wandering is often a result of anxiousness, keeping loved ones on a predictable daily routine can decrease wandering risks.
Avoid confusing locations
Wandering can also sometimes be the result of confusion, which leads to stress. Locations like loud restaurants, busy malls, or crowded outdoor markets can be particularly stressful or confusing for seniors with Alzheimer’s. If bringing a loved one with dementia on a shopping trip, try to plan the day’s schedule to hit busy places at non-peak times.
Lock all the locks
Seniors with Alzheimer’s may go on autopilot and grab the car keys, even if driving is an activity of years past. However, driving is one of the most dangerous activities for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Keep car keys out of sight and try to distract loved ones who ask for the keys. Likewise, lock the house at night to keep seniors from wandering outside. If a loved one is living at home, invest in extra security measures to alert someone if the loved one starts wandering off outside.
Avoid correction
When someone is already confused, pointing out wrong thinking or correcting can add to stress and anxiety. Instead, reassure and remind loved ones of the agreed-upon plan. For example, if a loved one starts getting stressed about going home while already at home, avoid correcting or explaining where home is. Instead, gently remind the person that the plan is to stay here for now.
When wandering gets out of control
When a loved one develops symptoms of late-stage Alzheimer’s, providing all the necessary care at home can be challenging. While living with loved ones or hiring a home health aide may work, there may also come a time when a wandering-prone loved one needs a higher level of care. If this is the case, the time may have come to move a loved one to a skilled nursing facility for 24-hour high-quality care.
