Dementia and Wandering: How to Support Your Aging Loved One
People with dementia often wander due to confusion or disorientation. They may feel compelled to search for something important or fulfill responsibilities from their past. Wandering behavior, understandably, creates significant stress for families caring for a loved one.
While it can seem alarming, milling from room to room often serves a purpose for people with dementia. They may be dealing with:
- Boredom
- Discomfort, such as feeling sick, too cold, too warm, or needing to use the bathroom
- Feeling restless or anxious
- Looking for something
- Searching for someone from their past
- Trying to complete a task from their past, such as minding the children, feeding livestock, or filing paperwork
Trying to stop a senior with dementia from wandering is not sustainable and may cause them more agitation or confusion.
Instead, create an environment for your loved one to move freely and safely at home. Working with a Visiting Angels professional caregiver can help set boundaries for safety and tasks your loved one can perform to give you both peace of mind.
How to Facilitate Safe Wandering
As you create a safe environment for your loved one, tailor new safety features to address their specific triggers and concerns:
- Install video cameras and alarms that alert you if your senior opens a door to leave.
- Place nightlights throughout the home to reduce the risk of falling at night.
- Cover doors you don’t want to be accessed. You can purchase wraps that look like bookshelves or a stop sign.
- Keep walkways clear to avoid tripping hazards.
- Fence or mark off an outdoor boundary, if possible, for seniors who enjoy the outdoors.
- Alert neighbors to be on the lookout in case your loved one exits the boundaries.
- Prepare familiar tasks around the home, such as worksheets to grade if your parent was a teacher or laundry to fold for a past homemaker.
- Remove spark plugs from a vehicle but allow them to keep their keys—it may be easier to redirect their attention when they have something tangible to hold.
Dementia Care Support From Visiting Angels
At Visiting Angels, our compassionate caregivers dedicate themselves to providing professional and personalized dementia care support. From providing a secure and well-organized environment to engaging your senior in meaningful activities, we are committed to their well-being while ensuring your confidence and reassurance. Let us help you ensure your loved one receives the care, attention, and respect they deserve.
Contact your local Visiting Angels office today to learn how we can help.