For families caring for a loved one living with dementia, one of the greatest fears is wandering. It can happen unexpectedly—even to someone who has never wandered before. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 6 in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once.
Wandering isn’t simply “taking a walk.” It often occurs because a person is confused, searching for something familiar, attempting to return to a previous home or job, or trying to satisfy a basic need such as hunger, thirst, or using the restroom.
The good news is that there are often warning signs before wandering becomes an emergency.
Watch for These Early Signs
- Frequently talking about “going home,” even when they are already home.
- Trying to leave the house at unusual times of day.
- Restlessness, pacing, or repeatedly checking doors and windows.
- Becoming anxious or agitated during changes in routine.
- Looking for family members who are not present or asking to “go to work.”
- Difficulty recognizing familiar surroundings.
These behaviors don’t always lead to wandering, but they are important signals that additional supervision and safety planning may be needed.
Reduce the Risk
There are several simple steps families can take to improve safety:
- Keep a consistent daily routine.
- Address basic needs such as hunger, thirst, pain, or the need for the restroom promptly.
- Install door chimes or alarms that alert you when an exterior door is opened.
- Ensure your loved one always has identification on them.
- Consider enrolling them in a community safe-return or identification program.
- Encourage regular walks or supervised physical activity to reduce restlessness.
If Your Loved One Goes Missing
Time is critical. Don’t wait to see if they return on their own.
Call 911 immediately and let responders know the individual has dementia. Begin searching nearby familiar places, but allow emergency responders to coordinate a broader search as quickly as possible.
You Don’t Have to Manage It Alone
As dementia progresses, safety concerns often become more challenging. Having a trained caregiver present can provide supervision, maintain familiar routines, engage your loved one in meaningful activities, and offer families invaluable peace of mind.
At Hope Senior Home Care, we understand that every person living with dementia experiences the disease differently. Our caregivers are trained to recognize changes in behavior, reduce wandering risks, and provide compassionate support that helps individuals remain safe and comfortable in the place they know best—home.
Hope Tip: Wandering is often a form of communication. Looking beyond the behavior to understand why someone wants to leave can help prevent a frightening situation before it happens.
