Is The Person You Care for at Risk of Wandering or Getting Lost?

If you are caring for loved ones who suffer from Alzheimer’s you might have experienced feelings of helpless anxiety when they inexplicably wander off and you can’t find them.  “After the first time, I’m terrified my Mom will get out of her room and wander into the kitchen while I’m sleeping. I stay up most of the night and go to bed around dawn,” says Peggy. “Every time her bed squeaks in the night, I’m up like a shot. I’m exhausted.”

Wandering is a great deal more prevalent in Alzheimer’s sufferers than most of us know. According to surveys conducted by Home Instead Inc. in early 2016 interviewing 1,110 family caregivers across North America (86% in the U.S. and 11% in Canada):

• 46 percent of Alzheimer’s family caregivers say their loved one has wandered off or gotten lost.
• 1 out of 4 family caregivers called the police to help find their loved one.
• 49 percent of family caregivers reported a “near miss” where they feared the worst, but were able to get their loved one back to safety unharmed and on their own.
• 71 percent of family caregivers who reported a wandering incident currently are taking precautions to help prevent their loved one from wandering or getting lost again.

If a loved one you are caring for is at risk of wandering, there are some preventative measures you can take to help you keep them safe and sound, (and help you keep your sanity!)

• Secure your home and make it as safe as you can.
• Keep walkways well-lit. Install brighter lights in entries, doorways, stairways, and areas between rooms and bathrooms.
• Disorientation can lead to a less awareness of surroundings, so remove tripping hazards.
• Install barriers and fences in the yard to help ensure your loved one doesn’t wander from home into unsafe territory.
• Put up a sign that says “stop” or “do not enter” to prevent them from leaving a safe area.
• Talk to your neighbours about the challenges you’re facing. They might be willing to give you a hand and they can at least keep a friendly eye open on your behalf.
• Make sure your loved one wears bright clothing at night and has I.D on them at all times.
• Use radio tracking devices.

Read the full article in Times Colonist’s next “Focus on Seniors” due to be published on Tuesday, October 4^th. Meanwhile, find more helpful advice and tips at PreventWandering.ca.

Wishing you success in caring.

By Mathieu Powell on behalf of Home Instead Senior Care in Victoria, BC