Alzheimer’s Wandering Solutions Caregivers Need to Know

The disorientation Alzheimer’s causes can most certainly lead to wandering of loved ones. Caregivers need to take action to ensure wandering does not happen, and when it does, ensure a safe and easy return.

This is of course easier said than done. Alzheimer’s and dementia leads to wandering. It is a common side effect of the mentally debilitating disease. Chances are, if your loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia, they will eventually wander.

What can caregivers do to prevent and prepare for this very stressful and frightening situation? Here are a few Alzheimer’s wandering solutions caregivers need to know.

Understand Alzheimer’s Wandering

There are a number of reasons your loved one or patient with Alzheimer’s will wander. Remember that underlying issues cause wandering, so pinpointing those issues is the best way to prevent wandering. Wandering is just an Alzheimer’s fact.

A few reasons for wandering caregivers need to know are . . .

  • Overstimulation: Loud noises or a situation that brings out anxious feelings will cause a loved one to wander.
  • Fear: Your loved one may feel fear for a variety of reasons, like new people or unfamiliar places.
  • Boredom: This is a natural human response. If you were not entertained you would look for something to alleviate boredom.
  • Searching: Your loved one or patient may feel the urge to find someone or something and get lost doing so.
  • Past Routines: Wandering often happens when someone with Alzheimer’s falls into past routines, like going to work or shopping at a local grocery store.

How to Prevent Alzheimer’s Wandering

Prevention is the first priority when it comes to Alzheimer’s wandering. Identifying what may spark the above reasons for wandering is a great first step. If you can stay proactive, you can keep your loved ones safe.

For instance, if you have seen your loved one or patient get restless and try to wander off in the past, think about what may have caused that moment. Maybe he or she was bored and wanted to leave at a specific time of day. You can plan activities during this time to keep them occupied and prevent wandering.

Knowing past routines is important as well. Talk to your loved one’s caregiver and tell them the times they used to go to work, or days of the week they would meet friends or go golfing. This will allow everyone to put a safe plan in place to prevent Alzheimer’s wandering.

Keeping Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s Safe

You can plan and prevent as much as possible, but the truth is, wandering will eventually happen. It is common, and the good news is that you can utilize items to bring them home safely.

For example, giving your loved one a GPS tracking device that he or she may not know is one. A GPS smartwatch is a great way to monitor your loved one via an app while still allowing them to keep their confidence as an adult.

GPS tracking devices for Alzheimer’s and dementia have features like SOS calling, geo-fencing, camera, scheduling, and long battery life. You can stay together always via a tracking smartwatch and app. When wandering happens, caregivers can easily locate loved ones and patients before tragedy strikes.

Ensure a Safe and Easy Return Home

When it comes to Alzheimer’s wandering it is important to ensure a safe and easy return for your loved one. Make a plan, know their routines, and think about their favorite places, both in the past and present.

Bringing your loved one home safe and sound is the most important thing. Give the gift of staying together with a GPS smartwatch and app for Alzheimer’s and dementia today.

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