Wandering is a very common behavior among seniors with Alzheimer’s. Usually seniors with Alzheimer’s wander because of the way that Alzheimer’s affects the brain. Even if they are in a familiar setting nothing looks familiar to them. Seniors may be scared and confused when they don’t know where they are or things don’t seem familiar. So, they wander around trying to find something that does look familiar. Alzheimer’s home care service is something that all seniors with Alzheimer’s should have.

The caregivers who provide Alzheimer’s home care know how to protect seniors with Alzheimer’s. Often caregivers are the first ones to spot the signs that a senior with Alzheimer’s may start to wonder.

Some of those signs are when seniors start:

• Returning from a regular walk or drive later than usual.
• Forgetting how to get to familiar places.
• Talking about fulfilling former obligations, such as going to work
• Trying or wanting to “go home” even when at home.
• Becoming restless, pacing, or making repetitive movements.
• Having difficulty locating familiar places, such as the bathroom, bedroom, or dining room.
• Asking the whereabouts of past friends and family.
• Acting as if doing a hobby or chore, but nothing gets done.
• Appearing lost in a new or changed environment.
• Becoming nervous or anxious in crowded areas, such as markets or restaurants.

But there are things that can lower the chances that your senior parent with Alzheimer’s will start wandering like:

Create a Safe and Secure Environment

Seniors with Alzheimer’s feel safe in a familiar place. Make sure their home is secure and free from potential hazards that could lead to accidents or injuries. Install locks on doors and windows, including deadbolts and slide bolts placed out of the line of sight, to make it more challenging for individuals with Alzheimer’s to wander.

Establish a Routine

Having a routine is very important for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Maintain regular meal times, engage in familiar activities, and establish a structured sleep schedule. Predictability and routine can reduce anxiety and the likelihood of wandering.

Alzheimer’s Home Care Provides Supervision

Provide continuous supervision, especially during periods when wandering is more likely to occur, such as during the evening or when the individual is restless or agitated. Alzheimer’s home care is a great help in supervising a senior parent with Alzheimer’s.

Meaningful Activities and Regular Exercise Supervised by Alzheimer’s Home Care

Keep individuals with Alzheimer’s engaged in activities that they enjoy and find meaningful. Boredom and restlessness can contribute to wandering behavior. Engaging in activities that stimulate their interests and provide a sense of purpose can help reduce the urge to wander.

Physical exercise can help reduce restlessness and anxiety, potentially decreasing the likelihood of wandering. Encourage individuals with Alzheimer’s to engage in regular exercise or movement activities, such as walking, yoga, or chair exercises, under supervision.

Embrace Technology and Stay In Touch With Neighbors

Consider using technology to enhance safety and monitor individuals with Alzheimer’s. GPS tracking devices, wearable alarms, or door/window sensors can provide an added layer of security by alerting caregivers or authorities if the person wanders.

Let your senior parent’s neighbors know that if your senior parent is outside and looks confused they could be wandering. Ask the neighbors to call you or bring your senior parent home if they find your senior parent wandering or lost.

You may not be able to stop your senior parent from wandering. But you can make sure that they are safe if they do.

Sources: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/wandering-and-alzheimers-disease
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/wandering

If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s Home Care Services in Severn MD please contact the caring staff at Vital Sign Home Care today. (410) 814-0258

A Trusted Skilled Medical and Non-Medical senior home care provider in Annapolis, Arnold, Severn, Guilford, Towson, Brooklandville, Catonsville, Cockeysville, Bel Air, Ellicott City, Columbia MD, and surrounding areas.

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Venus Ricks, RN CM/DN

CEO/Founder at Vital Sign Home Care

Venus Ricks love for people and desire to help others is why she became a Nurse. As a Registered Nurse, Venus took her nursing experience beyond the hospital floors. Inspired by her own story and desire to help others, she launched her healthcare training center. Ambitions at heart, never letting any grass grow under her feet, she didn't stop at training. Her tenure as a Delegating Nurse and need, motivated her to open Mabel's House Assisted Living in honor of her grandmother Mabel, serving the elderly and vulnerable population. Simultaneously, Vital Sign Home Care was also launched, serving the same population.

Venus had a stroke in 2018, she had no movement on the right side of her body and was unable to speak. Venus has made great progress since then and shows up everyday doing her best. She takes pride in overcoming obstacles and never giving up, which has allowed her to obtain a level of success in healthcare.

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