Alzheimer’s Disease and Wandering: Prevention andResponse

Wandering is an activity that many seniors with Alzheimer’s disease do at some point as their illness progresses. This is scary for family members because of the safety risks involved in wandering, so family caregivers need to have a plan for dealing with it. Disorientation and confusion compound the issues involved with seniors starting to
wander. Alzheimer’s home care providers can help family caregivers prepare and plan for these potential issues.
Causes of Wandering
Wandering happens for so many different reasons. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may feel confused, anxious, or restless, which prompts them to seek out familiar surroundings or situations. Or they may feel compelled to fulfill a task or routine from their past, like going to work or visiting someone they love. Boredom, lack of stimulation, and emotional distress can also factor into the causes of wandering. Addressing these issues proactively is typically the best response.

Prevention Strategies
Preventing wandering sounds more difficult than it really is. Creating a safe environment for seniors ensures that if they do become restless or disoriented, they’re less likely to have an accident or get hurt. Routines that account for basic daily tasks like showering and going to the bathroom help to meet those basic needs that could make seniors with
Alzheimer’s disease uncomfortable if they’re not handled. Home care providers can help put these strategies into place and develop routines.
What to Do if Seniors Go Missing
Even the best of routines and prevention strategies can’t stop every instance of wandering. It’s vital for family caregivers to know what to do if their loved one does go missing. The first step is always to stay calm. Take a deep breath and avoid panicking so that clear thought can prevail. Start searching the immediate area and notify neighbors along the way. Contact authorities if it’s not immediately easy to spot the wandering senior. There are also tracking devices that seniors with Alzheimer’s disease can wear that might be a good idea for them to wear if they have a habit of wandering.
Plan in Advance
Planning during a wandering episode is the wrong time to figure out what to do. Alzheimer’s home care providers can help family caregivers to put together a solid plan for avoiding issues with wandering. Taking pictures frequently, making notes about what seniors are wearing each day, and knowing where to look if seniors do get out of the house alone can be helpful.
Work with Alzheimer’s Care Providers
Alzheimer’s home care providers like FirstLight Home Care of Central Denver are experts in helping families manage all sorts of situations related to Alzheimer’s disease for seniors. We can answer questions and offer detailed advice that is personalized to the senior’s specific situation. Professional caregivers also offer respite care that family caregivers can count on when they need a break. Wandering is something that isn’t as mysterious as it seems at first. Alzheimer’s home care providers can help families figure out what’s causing their aging adults to wander and plan for preventive activities. Implementing those plans helps family caregivers to feel more secure that their family members are safe and happy as they battle Alzheimer’s disease.

If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s home care in Westminster, CO please contact the caring staff at FirstLight Home Care of Central Denver today at (303) 953-9575 FirstLight Home Care of Central Denver provides exceptional home care for seniors in Denver, Littleton, Westminster, Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Lakewood, Golden, Centennial, Greenwood Village, Aurora and surrounding areas.