3 Tips to Help Elderly People with Dementia Stop Wandering

Studies reveal 6 out of 10 seniors with dementia will likely wander at some point. Family caregivers may be wondering how to protect their senior loved ones from the dangers of this symptom. Luckily, there are strategies to prevent this behavior and keep your loved one safe.

1. Increase Physical Activity

Wandering is sometimes a result of anxiety and restlessness. Keeping your loved one busy with light tasks and exercise can reduce agitation and the tendency to walk away. Create a structured daily routine to keep your loved one busy, and focus on physical activities he or she enjoys.

If you’re concerned about the possibility of your loved one wandering, consider hiring a professional caregiver to keep him or her safe. If your senior loved one needs professional in-home care, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.

2. Promote Better Sleep Hygiene

Wandering can occur due to poor sleep hygiene. Focus on factors that may be causing a lack of sleep. Reduce napping in the daytime to allow for deeper sleep and greater relaxation at night. Give your loved one fewer caffeinated drinks in the hours before bedtime. If your loved one sleeps well at night, he or she may wake up in good spirits and be less likely to wander.

Caring for a senior with dementia can be challenging for family members. The type of home care services Fremont seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.

3. Address the Reasons for Wandering

The causes of wandering can vary considerably. Observe your loved one to find out what triggers this behavior. Loud noises, ringing bells, or banging doors could cause restlessness and the desire to walk away. Your loved one may forget the way to the toilet or miss a family member who has passed away and wander off to look for this person. Uncomfortable clothing may make your loved one walk away to seek out comfort. 

This behavior can also be a result of your loved one’s personality and previous life experiences. Your loved one may wander because he or she thinks it’s time to report to the office even if he or she hasn’t worked in years. A ringing phone may cause anxiety because that sound signaled emergencies when your loved one was younger. If a situation like this arises, assure your loved one everything is okay to relieve his or her anxiety.

Even when families have the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. We are a leading provider of dementia care. Fremont families can take advantage of our flexible and customizable care plans, and our caregivers always stay up to date on the latest developments in senior care. For more information about our flexible, customizable home care plans, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today.