Wandering with Dementia

Janice was an experienced professional caregiver with Senior Helpers in-home care agency, and it was her first day with a new client Bob, who is in his late 70's and has dementia. All is going fine until after dinner, when Bob puts on his coat and declares that he has to go out to see his parents on this bitterly cold night in January. Bob was not easily coaxed back into the house.

One of the biggest worries that loved ones of people with dementia face is the threat of wandering. Especially in these cold winter months, families worry that their loved one will wander off and be lost in the cold.

Why do they wander? People with dementia can become confused about time and place. They can be reliving something from their past. They can believe they are conversing with relatives long gone from this world.

What can a family do to protect their loved one?

•The Alzheimer's Organization has a "Safe Return" program that is funded by the US government. Go to www.alz.org/safereturn for more information and to register. The loved one can be registered in the national database. A "Medic Alert" bracelet (or other jewelry) can be ordered with a phone number to call. For example, a bracelet may read "Memory Impaired Call Immediately" along with the number to call.

•Label rooms – sometimes wandering is a result of simply not being able to find the desired room, such as the bathroom. Label rooms with signs and photos. This may help eliminate some confusion.

•Put all coats in a coat closet. Seeing a coat laying out may prompt a person with dementia to put it on and go outside.

•Camouflage the doors – put drapes over the doors so they are not readily visible.

•Install alarms – an alarm can notify you that your loved one has opened a door.

•Assess the needs of the loved one. Is there too much stimulation for the loved one, or too much confusion? Are they seeking relief from over stimulation? Or is there not enough stimulation? Are they seeking physical activity or mental stimulation? Look for clues to whether either of these are possibilities.

Most times, caring for someone with dementia is a matter of trial and error. Seek professional help as well.

In our situation, Janice calls 911, and with the help of the first responders, Bob is coaxed back into the house. That week, Bob's physician adjusts his medications which help Bob feel more calm and make him less combative. Still, the medications have an impact on his balance, making him more prone to falls.

Senior Helpers has experience in caring for clients with dementia, as well as their loved ones. We provide professional caregivers that are skilled in caring for those with dementia, allowing family members to have some relief from the extraordinary demands of caring for family members with special needs. Our goal is to improve the quality of life for our clients and to provide peace of mind for their loved ones.

To learn more, go to www.seniorhelpers.com/wheaton or www.seniorcaredupage.com

Keywords: elder care senior home health companion personal dementia alzheimers assisted