Dementia care: Wandering and safety

Submitted by Emma Hamilton on Mon, 15/09/2008 - 3:04pm

Wandering can be dangerous for people who cannot find their way home.

Caring for someone with dementia and a tendency to wander can be stressful. There are many reasons why people with dementia wander and although you can't control wandering you can ensure the environment is safe.

Why do people with dementia wander?

Wandering can be aimless, pacing or repetitive. Some people use wandering as a way to orientate themselves to the environment or may start wandering at a certain time of day due to old habits.

Wandering can be a sign of discomfort or boredom or simply a way to burn excess energy. People with dementia may wander to get away from a distracting or noisy environment, or simply wander without reason. Some people with dementia search for someone they know from the past or a familiar destination.

Wandering can become dangerous for some people with dementia when they cannot recognise hazards in the environment or find their way home. If a person is able to wander without the risk of falls or injury, it can be beneficial in maintaining mobility and independence.

Nighttime wandering can be associated with delirium, confusion over time, or disturbed sleep patterns and should be investigated by a doctor. Some people with dementia are also at risk of falls and will need close monitoring.

Tips for coping with dementia and wandering

Encourage exercise to minimise restlessness
Store handbags, keys and coats in a cupboard away from view
Try placing signs on the doors such as "do not enter" or "stop"
Try child locks on doors.
For doors that need a key, place the lock away from eye level.
Place a sensor on the door to alert others in the house if the door is opened.
Ensure the person with dementia is carrying identification with emergency numbers to call and contact people who live near by, preferably with a license.
Keep a recent photo of the person for identification purposes and list what clothing they are wearing on a daily basis, especially if they wander outside and away from home.
Inform neighbours, nearby shops or familiar places that the person may visit. Make sure they have appropriate contact numbers.
Purchase a medic alert bracelet or engrave a bracelet with the person's contact numbers and condition.
Contact the Alzheimer's Association for details about personal identity cards and The Safely Home Project - a project aimed at keeping people with dementia and wandering behaviour safe.
If a person with dementia goes missing contact police as soon as possible. Try and think of all the places a person usually visits.
If you plan to go on holidays make sure the person carries relevant identification and a contact number.

Alarm systems for wandering

Use a listening monitor (like a baby monitor) in a person's room to alert you when a person is awake and wandering. You can purchase a listening monitor at childcare stores, department stores, pharmacies and electrical shops.
A door alarm or sensor device alerts a carer to wandering. An alarm sounds when a person opens a door or window. Try major electrical stores.
Check out this example of Wandering Alarm Systems

Helpful resources

Ring the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 to talk to a counsellor at Alzheimer's Australia.
See Alzheimer's Australia NSW for information on The Safely Home Project
Contact The Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Services (DBMAS) on 1800 699 799. A national telephone line for carers or family concerned about the behaviour of people with dementia.