Summertime Call for Increased Attention to Prevent Alzheimer’s Wandering


Summertime Call for Increased Attention to Prevent Alzheimer’s Wandering

 As summer approaches and more people engage in outdoor activities, it's crucial to raise awareness about the risks of wandering for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer's can impair a person’s ability to recognize familiar places and faces, leading to wandering, which is not only common but potentially life-threatening. The Alzheimer’s Association urges caregivers, family members, and the community to take preventive measures to ensure the safety of those affected.

Understanding the Risk: Alzheimer’s disease can cause individuals to lose their sense of direction and familiarity, making them susceptible to wandering. Statistics show that six in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once, with many doing so repeatedly. This behavior can occur at any stage of the disease, and its unpredictable nature adds significant stress for caregivers and family members.

Warning Signs of Wandering:

(Be vigilant for these signs that may indicate a person with Alzheimer’s is at risk of wandering)

Forgetting how to get to familiar places.

Talking about fulfilling past responsibilities, such as going to work.

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

Displaying restlessness, pacing, or repetitive movements.

Struggling to find familiar rooms in the house.

Asking about the whereabouts of past friends and family.

Engaging in a hobby or chore without completing any tasks.

Appearing lost in new or changed environments.

Feeling nervous or anxious in crowded areas.


Reasons for Wandering: 

(Wandering can be triggered by various factors)

Confusion at certain times of the day or night.

Inability to recognize familiar people, places, and objects.

Fear from misinterpreting sights and sounds.

Desire to fulfill past obligations.

Urge to search for an object.

 

Preventive Measures: 

(Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of wandering)

Identify the time of day the person is most likely to wander and plan activities during these times.

Involve the person in daily activities to maintain engagement.

Reassure them if they feel lost, abandoned, or disoriented.

If the person can still drive, use a GPS device; if not, remove access to car keys.

Avoid busy places that may cause disorientation.

Assess the person’s response to new surroundings and provide supervision as needed.


Preparing Your Home:

(As the disease progresses, consider these safety measures to prevent wandering)

Place deadbolts out of sight on exterior doors.

Use night lights throughout the home.

Cover door knobs with cloth or safety covers.

Camouflage doors or cover them with curtains or screens.

Use black tape or paint to create a visual stop barrier in front of doors.

Install warning bells above doors or use monitoring devices.

Place a pressure-sensitive mat in front of doors or beds.

Use hedges or fences around outdoor areas.

Install safety gates or netting to restrict access to stairs or outside.

Monitor noise levels to reduce stimulation.

Create safe indoor and outdoor exploration areas.

Label doors with signs or symbols.

On January 1, 2016 Silver Search legislation was passed in Illinois. Silver Search is a coordinated effort to bring awareness, education, and resources to help find and safely return people with Alzheimer’s or dementia that go missing. The Silver Search program wants to bring to light the increasing incidences of people with Alzheimer’s or dementia that get lost and ways in which the public can help law enforcement return them home safely.

The Silver Search Task force was created to bring agencies and organizations together with the common goal of creating a Silver Search program and toolkit to assist in missing person cases involving those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Members of this task force meet regularly to discuss the different areas of public safety and education.

For additional safety information, tips, and resources, visit alz.org/safety.

Together, we can ensure a safer environment for those living with Alzheimer’s and provide peace of mind for their caregivers.

###

About the Alzheimer’s Association®: The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272-3900.


Latest Stories

Latest Podcast

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Expert Tyronne Studemire