March 2, 2022
When someone has dementia, it’s not uncommon to experience confusion, disorientation and worries. And as you may already be aware, the symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can change over time. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 6 in 10 individuals living with Alzheimer’s will wander at some point in their journey.
While wandering can be challenging to prevent, there are ways you, as a caregiver, can keep your family member safe. You must take all necessary precautions to avoid roaming and keep your loved one safe if they do wander off alone.
Wandering does happen, and while you can take every precaution possible, it’s not always avoidable. You can’t keep an eye on someone at all hours of the day and night. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent wandering behavior and create a safer space for someone living with dementia if they venture off.
It can sometimes be challenging to pinpoint exactly what causes wandering in people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Often, individuals can feel anxious, scared, or stressed, triggering wandering. For others, they could simply feel bored or lonely.
While it might be hard to understand the exact reason your family member wanders, it often has to do with the desire or need to live out familiar routines they used to have like going to work or out to dinner. They could also be searching for something and get confused.
As a caregiver, the best thing you can do is minimize stress in your loved one’s life and talk to them about the types of patterns or triggers they’re experiencing that could contribute to wandering. The goal is to get a better understanding to prevent episodes of roaming in the future.
At Parkwood, our goal is to support you and your loved one through every stage of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Our senior living community offers memory care services that focus on respect, dignity and quality of life. With 24/7 quality memory care, you and your loved one can enjoy peace of mind.
Learn more about our specialized memory care and assisted living community in Bedford and schedule a visit to experience all Parkwood has to offer.
Find more time to focus on life’s simple pleasures, in a vibrant senior living community that feels like home. The caring staff a Parkwood is devoted to your individual needs, creating an atmosphere of warmth and friendliness. It’s the right place for you now, and with our continuum of care, it’s the right place for your future.
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