Keeping Loved Ones Safe - Wandering


Call your local Alzheimer's Support Network Helpline They will stand by you until your loved one is found.

SOME ADDITIONAL HINTS ON WANDERING
    Have a thorough medical evaluation, particularly if wandering begins suddenly. Consider possible physical causes such as illness, fever, hunger, pain, swelling, etc. Allow person to wander if environment is save and secure. Help direct person with clearly labeled rooms. For example, door decorations or name plaques may be useful for finding bedroom a picture of a toilet or a brightly colored door may help person locate the bathroom. Decrease noise levels and number of people interacting with wanderer at one time. Remove items that may trigger desire to go out: shoes, coat, purse, etc. Distract with conversation, food, drink or activity. Try to involve person in household activities, such as folding laundry, washing dishes, which will help him/her feel useful. Limit activities to 20-30 minutes or less, depending on level of impairment. Make sure the person isn't wandering because he/she needs to use the bathroom. Look for signals such as fidgeting with clothes. At night be sure the bathroom or a commode is easily accessible. Improve lighting throughout the environment, especially at night. Older people need about three times as much light to see properly as younger people.

Communication Techniques With Wanderers
    Reassure person frequently about where he/she is and why. Speak in calm, normal tone of voice. Try written reassurance for mildly impaired person, such as "Liz will be here at 3:00 to pick you up." Try not to confront or argue with the person. Limit number of people to redirect wanderer. Increase the wanderer's trust by humoring and cajoling. Allow the person to verbalize feelings without arguing. Alleviate fears--"Your family knows where you are." "Your ____ (misplaced object) is right here."

For individualized help with wandering or other problem behaviors, contact the your local Alzheimer's Society or Alzheimer's Support Network. Support groups are an excellent source of caregiving tips and resource information. The Alzheimer's Support Network offers several groups each week.

The Alzheimer's Asssociation , Northern Virginia Chapter presents ideas and suggestions for keeping a wandering person safe and for being prepared if wandering occurs.

The Alzheimer's Association of St. Louis has a page which outlines the Safe Return program.

The Alzheimer Society of Metropolitan Toronto also has a Wandering Registry.

Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association of NSW, Inc. has

The copyright of the article Keeping Loved Ones Safe - Wandering in Alzheimer's Research is owned by Karen Largent. Permission to republish Keeping Loved Ones Safe - Wandering in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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