8 Tips to Prevent Wandering in Seniors with Dementia

The World Health Organization reports that approximately 55 million people around the world live with some form of dementia. As the cognitive disorder progresses, the affected elder individuals lose the ability to differentiate between day and night. They may easily get lost as familiar surroundings and locations become foreign to them. Additionally, those with dementia may need less sleep. The combination of symptoms contributes to wandering, which could lead to injury.

Visiting Angels recommends 8 ways that family caregivers might ensure the safety of their loved ones.

1. Provide Identification

Family members afflicted by dementia should bear some type of identification that alerts others of who they are, where they live, and who to contact when encountered. The identification might involve tags sewn into clothing. If the elder adult habitually carries a purse or wallet, insert an ID card there. Medical alert bracelets are another option. Caregivers should also consider alerting neighborhood friends and acquaintances along with local law enforcement of an older person's cognitive impairment. If a senior becomes lost, alert neighbors and law enforcement authorities. In this way, others could intercede and return the individual to safety.

2. Camouflage Exits

By covering exits with a door-length curtain, painting, poster, or another type of signage, folks with dementia may no longer recognize the location as an exterior exit, which negates the temptation to go outside. Several types of dementia also cause visual disturbances that distort depth perception. By placing a dark mat in front of doors, the senior may perceive the mat as an open hole and avoids the threshold.

3. Motion Sensors

A variety of indoor/outdoor motion sensors are available which can alert caregivers when an individual has embarked on a journey without a companion. Two-part, battery-operated sensors are easily attached up high to a door and door frame. Should a senior attempt to open the door without accompaniment, the transmitter mechanism sends a signal to the receiver, which initiates an audible alarm. Wi-Fi contact sensors function in combination with smartphones to provide an alert should someone trip the alarm by opening a door or entering or leaving a room. In addition to motion sensors, family members may also consider installing out-of-reach physical locks on exterior doors.

4. Bed and Chair Pad Monitors

Bed pad monitors come in handy when seniors awaken during the night and wander. A common battery-operated type features a pressure pad that fits beneath a bed's linens. Turn the device on after a senior goes to bed. If they leave the bed, an alarm sounds to alert family members that their loved one has gotten out of bed. Another type of bed alarm comes with a metallic tab that inserts into the main receiver. The tab is attached to a string on one end and a small clip on the other end. The clip easily attaches to a blanket or the collar of a senior's pajamas. If the elder adult gets out of bed, the tab falls out of the receiver and sounds an alarm.

5. GPS Monitoring

Miniature GPS monitoring sensors make locating someone. The credit card-sized devices might be placed in the sole of a shoe or inserted into clothing. When a person with dementia exceeds a specified distance, family members receive an alert and the location of the family member. Additionally, homeowners might install a geofencing system. Similar to how GPS monitors function, the fencing system monitors a specific perimeter. Should a senior venture beyond the boundary, family caregivers will receive an alert.

6. Sleep-Inducing Methods

Physical activities during the day tend to promote a higher degree of restful sleep at night. Encourage an older loved one to accompany another family member on daily walks. Perhaps have them join one or more family members in simple exercises that are both physical and age appropriate. Other ways to encourage sleep include ensuring a loved one has a comfortable bed and bedding. Room-darkening curtains create a calming atmosphere. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages or engaging in stimulating activities before bed. Nighttime might additionally be the ideal time for a warm, relaxing bath.

7. Diversion Techniques

Diversion techniques come in handy in many situations when dealing with those who have dementia. During waking hours, provide elder loved ones with different types of activities that stimulate the brain. Sit with them and look through scrapbooks and photographs. Allow them to listen to their favorite music—they and others around them might even get up and dance! Try playing a board game or a simple card game with them. Just visiting with family members is a pleasant diversion. Between family members, local friends, and/or caregivers from Visiting Angels, seniors will have much-appreciated companionship which may help keep wandering behaviors at bay.

8. Enhance Outdoor Spaces

Seniors may be at risk of developing a vitamin D deficiency, which also interferes with cognitive function. This problem may be prevented by encouraging loved ones to get out in the sun. Backyards are ideal for accompanying an elder outdoors for some fresh air and sunshine. Add a seating area where individuals might enjoy beverages and snacks. A selection of flowering plants and other types of vegetation provides sensory stimulation throughout the year. Birdhouses, feeders, and baths attract area birds provide an element of joyful entertainment.

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Caring for an older loved one with dementia eventually becomes an around-the-clock task. Family members may understandably become overwhelmed when caring for a senior loved one day and night. Visiting Angels in Mercer and Burlington Counties can help relieve family caregivers. Services are easily customized to accommodate the needs of the family and each client; contact us for more information.