Wandering and Getting Lost: Who’s at Risk and How to Be Prepared


Wandering and Getting Lost: Who’s at Risk and How to Be Prepared

Wandering is a common yet dangerous behavior for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, with six in 10 people with dementia likely to wander at least once. This risk, which can occur even in the early stages of the disease, creates significant safety concerns for those affected and adds stress for caregivers and family members.

Alzheimer’s disease impairs a person’s ability to recognize familiar places and faces, leading to confusion and disorientation that can result in wandering. Recognizing who is at risk and taking preventive measures can help mitigate these dangers.

Who’s at Risk for Wandering?

Everyone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia is at risk for wandering. Some common signs that a person may be at risk include:

• Returning later than usual from familiar walks or drives.

• Forgetting directions to familiar locations.

• Talking about fulfilling past obligations, like going to work.

• Expressing a desire to “go home” even when already at home.

• Becoming restless, pacing, or making repetitive movements.

• Having trouble finding familiar rooms, like the bathroom or bedroom.

• Asking about deceased friends or relatives.

• Appearing lost in unfamiliar or newly changed environments.

• Acting as though they are engaging in a task but not completing it.

Tips to Reduce the Risk of Wandering

While no measures can fully prevent wandering, several steps can reduce the risk and bring peace of mind to caregivers:

• Engage the individual in structured activities during the day.

• Plan activities or exercise during times of increased restlessness, such as early evening.

• Ensure all basic needs—like food, hydration, and bathroom access—are met.

• Reassure the individual if they feel disoriented or abandoned.

• Avoid busy or confusing locations like malls.

• Monitor how the person responds to new environments and avoid leaving them unsupervised.

Home Safety Measures

As the risk for wandering increases, consider these strategies to make the home safer:

• Install deadbolts out of sight or camouflage doors with paint or curtains.

• Use motion-sensitive alarms or pressure mats to alert caregivers to movement.

• Label doors and rooms with clear signs or symbols.

• Create safe indoor and outdoor areas for exploration.

• Store items like keys and coats out of sight to reduce the instinct to leave.

Planning Ahead

Preparation is critical in case wandering occurs:

• Keep a recent photo of the individual and a list of places they may wander to, such as former homes or workplaces.

• Enroll the individual in a wandering response service.

• Notify neighbors and friends to be alert for wandering behavior.

What to Do if Someone Wanders

If wandering occurs, act quickly:

• Begin searching immediately, starting within a 1.5-mile radius of the individual’s last known location.

• Check local landscapes like ponds or wooded areas.

• Contact 911 if the individual is not found within 15 minutes and inform authorities of their dementia diagnosis.

By taking proactive steps, caregivers can reduce risks and create a safer environment for their loved ones living with dementia. Follow us at https://www.facebook.com/SilverSearchIllinois/ and for more information visit www.silversearchillinois.org

The Alzheimer’s Association provides extensive resources for caregivers, including safety tips and support services. For more information, visit alz.org/safety or contact the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

Contact: Lionell Martin, Public Relations Manager, Alzheimer’s Association, lrmartin@alz.org, 773.593.4211.


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