Wandering is a standard behaviour among seniors with dementia. It refers to when someone with dementia moves about aimlessly or without a clear purpose. Wandering can pose a safety risk for the individual and cause caregiver stress. Caregivers must establish a safe environment and keep track of the senior’s movements to prevent them from getting lost or injured.
When dealing with a senior loved one’s wandering, it’s crucial to approach them with empathy and patience. Understanding their condition and providing a secure environment can make a significant difference in their well-being.
Early Warning Signs of Wandering
Understanding the early signs of wandering is not just crucial, it’s empowering for caregivers. These signs can help anticipate and prevent potential safety risks, giving caregivers a sense of control and preparedness.
Some signs to look out for may include the following:
- Taking longer than usual on routine walks or errands.
- Problems navigating in familiar areas.
- Restless, anxious, nervous, or repetitive behaviour.
- Retired people may talk about having to get to work.
- Talk about visiting deceased friends or family as if they were still alive.
- They say, “I want to go home,” even at home.
- Having trouble remembering where various rooms are in the house.
- Tries to perform daily tasks and routines, but finds it challenging to do.
These signs are generally associated with the early stages of dementia; wandering behaviours are often soon to follow.
What Triggers Wandering in Seniors with Dementia?
Wandering in seniors with dementia can be triggered by a variety of factors, including the following:
Boredom or restlessness: Seniors with dementia may wander for stimulation or because they feel cooped up.
Disorientation or confusion: Wandering can result from confusion or disorientation, particularly in new or unfamiliar environments.
Search for familiarity: Wandering may occur due to the senior’s attempt to find familiar places or people.
Changes in routine: Unfamiliar changes in routine, such as a shift in caregivers or a move to a new environment, can trigger wandering behaviour.
Anxiety or agitation: Wandering can manifest anxiety or agitation in seniors with dementia.
Physical needs: Seniors with dementia may wander, searching for food, water, or the bathroom.
Sleep disturbance: Wandering triggered by sleep disturbances, such as nighttime restlessness or insomnia.
It’s important to understand that wandering behavior in seniors with dementia is not a deliberate or voluntary act. It’s a manifestation of the changes in the brain due to the disease. This understanding can help caregivers approach the situation with empathy and patience.
Some strategies for coping with wandering seniors
If you find your loved one is beginning to wander and you are concerned for their safety, you can try a few things to help manage the situation.
Establish a routine: Maintaining a consistent daily routine can help reduce confusion and anxiety in seniors with dementia.
Create a safe environment: This may include installing locks on doors and windows, using bed alarms, and having a backup plan in case the senior wanders away.
Use reminders: Verbal reminders, such as the activity’s time or purpose, can help reduce wandering behaviour.
Engage in physical activity: Exercise and physical activity can help reduce anxiety and agitation and may also help improve sleep patterns.
Offer reassurance: Reassuring the senior that they are safe and that everything is okay can help calm their anxieties and reduce wandering behaviour.
Encourage socialization: Engaging in social activities and spending time with others can help reduce loneliness and confusion.
Try to determine when wandering occurs and arrange an activity or rest time for those periods. Many people living with dementia exhibit a symptom referred to as Sundowning, and it can happen at any stage of dementia, also known as a late-day or early evening confusion.
It is also essential to work with the seniors’ caregivers, family members, and healthcare professionals to develop a comprehensive plan. This collaborative approach ensures that everyone is on the same page and working towards the common goal of maintaining the senior’s safety and well-being.
Diagnosing a degenerative brain disorder can be debilitating for the person affected and their families. Exceptional cognitive companions and caregivers will offer unwavering mental, physical, and emotional support for your loved one.
All Promyse Home Care caregivers matched with a client with Alzheimer’s or Dementia have experience working with patients struggling with cognitive impairment.
