The Dangers of Wandering
Dear Caregivers,
One of the more challenging aspects of caring for a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s is the behavior known as wandering. The illness can change aspects of thinking that keep a person oriented and aware, and so your loved one may simply leave the house, lose their bearings, and end up wandering through the neighborhood without any specific purpose or destination in mind.
Roughly 60% of people suffering from dementia experience wandering at least once, and many wander repeatedly. Wandering can happen without any specific trigger, or it can be brought about by agitation, severe depression, or sleep disorders. It is one of the most dangerous aspects of Alzheimer’s disease: Wandering can lead to falls and injuries, exposure to excessively cold or hot weather, accidents, dehydration, and malnutrition.
As a caregiver, you have some options on how to help prevent your loved one from having this behavior or, if it does occur, helping you manage the crisis and help them stay safe.
Here is some guidance:
Strategies To Reduce The Risk Of Wandering:
Caregivers or family members may be able to reduce the risk of wandering. Here are some tips in keeping your loved one with dementia safe.
Checklist: Is Your Loved One At Risk For Wandering?
Wandering can be dangerous and even life threatening, making the risk abundantly stressful for caregivers. Here's a checklist.
Keeping Your Loved One Safe: Help for Those Who Wander
Having a loved one wander off is an experience we all try to avoid. However, it is one we must all be prepared for when caring for a loved one with dementia. These community resources can help find your loved one when they have wandered off.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“It is worth remembering that the time of greatest gain in terms of wisdom and inner strength is often that of greatest difficulty.”
— Dalai Lama
