Introduction

It is common for a person with dementia to wander and become lost; many do repeatedly. In fact, over 60 percent of those with dementia will wander at some point.

Wandering can be dangerous - even life threatening - for the person who wanders. The stress can weigh heavily on caregivers and family.

Keep your loved one safe by knowing the risk factors for wandering and enrolling in MedicAlert® + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return®, our 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for individuals with Alzheimer’s or related dementia that wander or who have a medical emergency. You can't know when wandering will happen, but you'll know what to do when it does.

Comfort Zone The Alzheimer's Association Comfort Zone® is a GPS location management service that can help families stay active.

What is wandering?

Many people with dementia do not fit the textbook definition of wandering, "To move about without a definite destination or purpose."

People with dementia who wander often have a purpose or goal in mind. They may be searching for something that is lost or trying to fulfill a former job responsibility.

Who's at risk?

Everyone is at risk for wandering. However, a person may be at risk for wandering if he or she:

• Returns from a regular walk or drive later than usual

• Tries to fulfill former obligations, such as going to work

• Tries or wants to "go home" even when at home

• Is restless, paces or makes repetitive movements

• Has difficulty locating familiar places like the bathroom, bedroom or dining room

• Checks the whereabouts of familiar people

• Acts as if doing a hobby or chore, but nothing gets done (moves around pots and dirt without actually planting anything)

• Appears lost in a new or changed environment

Causes

Wandering can be caused by several factors, including:

• Medication side effects

• Stress

• Confusion related to time

• Restlessness

• Agitation

• Anxiety

• Inability to recognize familiar people, places and objects

• Fear arising from the misinterpretation of sights and sounds

• Desire to fulfill former obligations, such as going to work or looking after a child

Tips to reduce wandering

• Encourage movement and exercise to reduce anxiety, agitation and restlessness

• Ensure all basic needs are met (toileting, nutrition, thirst)

• Involve the person in daily activities, such as folding laundry or preparing dinner

• Place color-matching cloth over doorknobs to camouflage

• Redirect pacing or restless behavior

• Place a mirror near doorways. The reflection of a person's own face will often stop him or her from exiting the door.

• Reassure the person if he or she feels lost, abandoned or disoriented

Tips to protect a loved one from wandering and getting lost

• Enroll the person in MedicAlert + Safe Return.

• Inform your neighbors and local emergency responders of the person’s condition and keep a list of their names and telephone numbers.

• Keep your home safe and secure by installing deadbolt or slide-bolt locks on exterior doors and limiting access to potentially dangerous areas. Never lock the person with dementia in a home without supervision.

• Be aware that the person may not only wander by foot but also by car or by other modes of transportation.

Tips for preparing for emergencies

• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers and addresses of the local police and fire departments, hospitals, and poison control as well as the MedicAlert + Safe Return emergency response number. 

• Keep a list of physicians phone numbers and current medications (with dosages)

• Keep copies of legal documents (living will, power of attorney, etc.)

• Check fire extinguishers and smoke alarms

If you have questions or concerns about wandering, call us at 1.800.272.3900.