How to Prevent Wandering for Adults with Dementia

Updated on December 2, 2024

When it comes to diagnoses of dementia, the reality is, anyone with dementia is at risk of wandering. Regardless of the stage of the disease, most adults with dementia will wander at least once–and it can have dangerous consequences. So what can you do to keep your loved one safe? First, it’s important to understand the signs that someone may be at risk of wandering, and familiarize yourself with the safety measures that can be implemented to reduce that risk.

Defining Dementia 

Dementia is a general term for someone who experiences significant memory loss; forgets basic words or how to communicate effectively; loses the ability to solve problems and concentrate; and cannot take care of essential personal needs. Although Alzheimer’s disease causes about 70% of dementia cases, there are other factors too, such as:

• Vascular problems – strokes and other blood flow issues


• Fronto-temporal effects – deterioration of this part of the brain can lead to personality changes


• Treatable causes – medical problems such as vitamin deficiency, pressure in the brain, and thyroid hormone imbalance 

Signs that a Person with Dementia May Be at Risk for Wandering

Wandering is, unfortunately, very common behavior for people with dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 60% of people with dementia will wander at least once. And wandering can occur at any stage of the disease.

Everybody forgets things, and this issue often becomes more common as people get older. It can be very difficult to recognize dementia for this reason. But caregivers need to pay close attention because disaster can result, particularly when it comes to wandering. When an older person gets lost, it is stressful on all of those involved to locate them. But the risks of wandering are about more than anxiety. Sadly, 30% of dementia wandering cases result in death due to accidents, drowning, or prolonged exposure to the elements. 

Wandering can happen in a variety of situations. For seniors who still drive, they can get lost going to or from a well-known place. Those taking walks might have trouble finding their way back. Even within the home, those with dementia may forget where the kitchen or bathroom is

Dealing with Dementia Wandering 

The most important step in preventing wandering is to recognize the behavior that shows it has already happened, or is likely to happen. Here are the most common signs of increased wandering risk:

Dislocation

This is “classic” wandering, and is defined as a person who ends up, at some point, in a place that they do not recognize. You might get a call from them, or somebody who finds them, once they totally lose their way. But there are other signs. The person might take a long time to get to or return from places that they have been on many occasions. They might also come home with stories about encounters that would not occur in a normal routine, such as visiting a store that is far off their regular route. 

Anxiousness

Those at risk of wandering might pace back and forth or seem fidgety. Similarly, when in a new place or situation, or in a crowded area, the person will fail to understand where they are or what they are doing there, and might react with fear or anger. 

Confusion

Dementia sufferers can express a desire to go to former places of employment, or visit people who live far away or are even deceased. At home, they might claim they have done some kind of activity, when in reality they have done nothing. They can even say that they want to go home when they are already there.

Important Steps for Dementia Wandering Care

If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, there are many actions you can take to prevent them from wandering.

Patterns

By establishing a thorough routine, you keep the person both mentally and physically busy throughout the day. A strict timetable will help to rapidly detect if they have wandered off. You should also make sure that all personal needs are met so that there is no need to find the bathroom or eat/drink at night. 

Prevention

Make it more difficult for a person to leave home by installing complex door locks and exterior gates. Put away the car keys, especially if the person is no longer allowed to drive, and hide other items that might make them think of going outside, such as coats and wallets. When out of the home, ensure that the person is supervised. 

Planning

Before an at-risk individual actually wanders, consider purchasing a wearable GPS tracking device that can also be used to schedule activities, detect falls, enable communication, and deliver alerts when the person winds up in an unexpected location. You should also keep a recent printed photo of the person on hand, and maintain a detailed list of the locations that they might wander towards.  

While dementia comes with its fair share of hurdles, you can greatly reduce the risk of wandering and keep your loved ones safe. It really comes down to remembering what warning signs to look out for, and ensuring that you are prepared with the right tools and safety measures. By planning ahead and being proactive, you can significantly reduce the risk of wandering for adults with dementia.

People also ask

How do you stop someone with dementia from wandering?

To help prevent wandering in people with dementia, caregivers can use a few practical strategies:

Keep doors locked and install a smart doorbell or alert system that notifies when a door is opened.

Use signs like “STOP” or “DO NOT ENTER” on doors to deter exit attempts.

Secure outdoor areas with fencing and a locked gate.

Install window safety devices to limit how much they can open.

Keep frequently used items, like shoes or keys, out of sight, reducing the impulse to leave.

At what stage of dementia does wandering occur?

Wandering typically occurs in the middle stages of dementia, around stage 5. During this stage, individuals may experience significant memory loss and confusion, including forgetting personal details or current events. Wandering can be a symptom of disorientation, as people may try to find familiar places recognize loved ones.

What is the number one trigger for dementia behavior?

The most common trigger for challenging behavior in people with dementia is a change in their environment. Factors such as loud noises, overcrowding, unfamiliar faces, or alterations in their daily routine can overwhelm someone with dementia, leading to agitation or aggression.

Why do dementia patients keep moving things?

Restlessness is a common behavior in dementia patients. They may move objects, fidget, or continuously rearrange items due to agitation or anxiety. This behavior could also stem from a need to feel a sense of control, comfort, or purpose, even if it involves repetitive actions like tidying or pacing.