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Elderly Wandering: Causes, Warning Signs, and Prevention Tools
Lisa Reisman • Aug 28, 2019
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Elderly Wandering: Causes, Warning Signs, and Prevention Tools
Wandering and disorientation are common in those who suffer from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. This confusion, coupled with a failing sense of direction, can occur even during the earliest stages of dementia. In fact, it is estimated that six out of ten people with dementia will wander at some point. Not only is wandering dangerous, but it is often a frightening experience both for the disoriented person and his/her loved ones.
Warning Signs Of Wandering
Restlessness. Does your loved one seem restless, often pacing around aimlessly? When feeling disoriented, people suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia often move about without any real purpose.
Trouble locating familiar places. When suffering from dementia, people often feel confused or disoriented, even in the most familiar places. If your loved one has trouble finding the bathroom or remembering where her bedroom is, she is at risk of wandering.
Absence or tardiness. If your elderly mother starts returning home late from her evening walks without any explanation for her tardiness, she is likely at risk of wandering. Likewise, if your formerly punctual mother begins missing regularly scheduled appointments without explanation, dementia is a potential culprit for her change in behavior.
Living in the past. Sometimes, people suffering from dementia will attempt to fulfill obligations from the past, such as going to work or taking a child to school. These individuals are at an increased risk of wandering while trying to meet past responsibilities.
What Causes Wandering?
There are a variety of causes of wandering in patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease or dementia, including:
Medication. Occasionally, certain types of medication can cause wandering in dementia patients.
Searching. It is a simple explanation, but one of the most common reasons for wandering is searching. Often, a wanderer is looking for a bathroom, food, or drink. However, after search has begun, they may forget what they were looking for, and may become confused and disoriented.
Past routines. If your elderly loved one tends to wander around the same time of day, for example, around 8 a.m. each morning, he or she is possibly reliving a past routine of getting ready for work.
Escape. Sometimes, instead of looking for something, people with dementia wander to escape a situation. Maybe there is too much stimulation in the form of loud talking and bright lights. Or perhaps the wanderer is feeling stressed or anxious. In these types of situations, wandering might begin as a means of escape.
Can Wandering Be Prevented?
You may have first-hand experience of how stressful it can be when your loved one has a tendency to wander. When you do not know where she has gone, your heart races, your mind searches for any clue that could help. You reach out to other loved ones and family members frantically. Having a disoriented loved one who is at risk for wandering is often extremely stressful for family members. Here are some tips for keeping your loved one safe:
Consider I.D. jewelry or tags. Providing your loved one with a bracelet displaying her name, address, and phone number can help ensure a safe return if she does wander away from home.
Enlist the help of neighbors. Ask your loved one's neighbors to notify you immediately if they see your loved one walking alone.
Keep an updated picture of your loved one with you. Should your loved one get lost while wandering, an updated photograph is an invaluable resource for police.
Consider a GPS device. These tracking devices send alerts when your loved one wanders and allow you to easily pinpoint her location.
If your elderly parent is becoming increasingly disoriented, we can help. We understand that this is an emotional and stressful time for your family. At Complete Care At Home, our highly trained caregivers will keep your loved one safe, while also giving her the freedom to enjoy life. Contact
us today for more information.
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