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Wandering

Why wandering occurs and how to deal with it

Some people with dementia may be prone to wandering from time to time. It can happen at any stage of the condition. There are various reasons why it can occur. 

Reasons can include:

  • Being bored or restless

  • Believing they have to be somewhere or meet someone (even though that person may have died)

  • Starting a journey with a purpose and forgetting that purpose

  • Confusion about their life stage and current routine – the person may think they need to get up and go to work, for instance, even if they are retired

  • Confusion between night and day – such as waking up at 6am and thinking it’s 6pm and they have to go out somewhere

  • Inability to sleep – night-time wandering can be common if the person is restless and unable to sleep at night

  • Pain or feeling unwell – the person may walk around because they are in pain or feel unwell and may be trying to escape from how they are feeling

  • A stressful environment – their room may be too hot or cold, or too noisy or quiet

  • Feeling overwhelmed – they may wander to escape from how they are feeling if they are upset or stressed

  • Lack of exercise during the day – the person may not have had much stimulation or activity during the day 

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What to do about wandering

Speak to the person’s GP if you suspect they are in any pain or discomfort. If you feel they are restless, try to find ways to make their day more stimulating.

If possible, accompany the person on a walk earlier in the day. Encourage them to join a social group where they can interact with others. This may make them more fulfilled and less restless. Support the person in staying mentally and physically active.

Monitor the situation to see if there’s a pattern. Do they wander at the same time of day? Have they been talking about someone who has passed away as though that person is still here? Does it sound like they want to meet up with someone who is no longer around?

Try to plan activities where possible around the time they would normally wander. This may serve as a helpful distraction.

If the person continues wandering, you may have to speak to their family about making changes to their home that could alert you to their movement.

A warning bell installed above doors or a monitoring device to alert you when they are trying to get out may help.

A pressure-sensitive mat in front of their favourite chair or bed that alerts you to their movement may be a good idea if they wander at night.

Ensure you store car keys where the person can’t see them. Even if they no longer drive, they may forget and try to take the keys and go out driving.

Let neighbours and friends know what’s happening

Let neighbours know that the person tends to wander so that they can keep an eye out for them. Ask them to call you or their family if they see the person outside looking confused or dressed inappropriately. Ensure they have up-to-date contact information for you and the person’s family members.

Arrange for a family member to sign the person up for MedicAlert’s Safe & Found Programme. This will make it easier for them to be located if they wander and get lost. This service uses the Herbert Protocol – the form police use to narrow down a search for a missing person.

Safe & Found contains information about the person’s appearance, where they may go, and details of previous wanderings. Police can access and circulate this information when they are notified that the person has gone missing, which will increase the chances of the person being found sooner.

 

More Information:

https://www.medicalert.org.uk/safe-and-found/

 

Sources:

Alzheimer’s Society:

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/why-person-with-dementia-might-be-walking-about

Alzheimer’s Association:

https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/wandering