Dementia and wandering

 National Missing Persons Week recently focused on the growing problem of older people with memory loss or dementia going missing. After many years working in aged care homes I can think of numerous incidents where residents wandered off the premises despite security systems in place. Panic stricken staff would take in turns driving around the block looking for a resident who would despite their years walk at a striking pace. Most were heading home, to the shops or in some cases the local club.

Someone with dementia can be pretty determined and most understandably don't react well when hauled into a stranger's car. If you do live near a nursing home and notice someone wandering be friendly and positive in your approach. Ask them where they are heading, can you give them a lift ? or suggest they take a break and call the nursing home.

Keep in mind that many older people with memory loss do and should have the freedom and independence to come and go from an aged care home as they please. Striking a balance between maintaining a loved one's independence and keeping them safe can be difficult for many families and aged care staff. In many cases wandering probably could have been avoided if staff had the time to take a resident for a walk up the street and back. Sadly this doesn't happen very often. 

A number of programs are in place around Australia to help keep loved ones with dementia safe from wandering. Visit Alzheimer's Australia for details and visit Returning Safely Home - Wandering and Dementia