Wandering or getting lost is a common trait among people suffering from dementia. The behavior could occur at any stage of Alzheimer's, too. If anyone from your family or friends has Alzheimer's or is on the autism spectrum, then he/she has the risk of getting lost.
Following are some of the reasons behind wandering.
Stress or fear: A person may wander off because of a reaction to an over-stimulating or unfamiliar environment, or after a loud noise, or a situation which he/she doesn't understand.
Searching or boredom: People with Alzheimer's may get lost while searching for something or someone. They may wander off to do something.
Basic needs: Alzheimer's affected persons may wander off to look for food or a washroom, or they may want to go outside.
In fact, the reasons why a dementia-affected person would wander off are endless.
How to prevent wandering?
Wandering is not harmful if it happens in a controlled and safe environment. But wandering could raise some safety concerns.
Try to identify why a person is wandering. If he/she wanders off at the same time every day, then it could mean that he/she is feeling bored. Try to keep them engaged in some meaningful activity. If they are looking for a spouse or child, put up a sign that the person they are looking for would arrive soon.
How to keep your loved ones safe?
Reduce hazards: Remove all tripping hazards like power extension cords, cables, doormats and similar things. Install lights for aiding nighttime wanderers. Install gates at the staircase to prevent inadvertent falling.
Install locks and alarms: There are several devices that can alert a person on the move. You can place pressure alarms beneath doormats or at the bedside. Warning doorbells and childproof covers can also work. If the affected person can unlock doors while wandering, you can install a sliding bolt lock out of his/her sight.
Camouflage doors: You can place removable curtains on the doors, or camouflage them with wallpaper or paint that match surrounding walls. Signs on the doors can also help.
GPS devices: You can ask the Alzheimer's affected person to wear a GPS device so that you can get electronic alerts about his/her location. If the person wanders off, you can quickly get a notification about the whereabouts.
Ensuring a safe return
Wanderers, who are lost, could be difficult to find because their reactions are often unpredictable. For instance, they may not seek or help or respond to search calls. When they are found, they may not remember their names or where they stay.
If a person from your family has a habit of wandering, inform the local police station immediately. Give them a picture of the person and a bio-data, so that in case of wandering off, identifying becomes easier. Also, keep a list of some emergency phone numbers that you can use if the person wanders off.
Some non-government organizations (NGOs) provide 24-hour support to Alzheimer's affected people in case of emergency, for a small fee. You can enroll for a safe-return program with these NGOs.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kalpesh_Z_Makwana/2140228
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9175802
Following are some of the reasons behind wandering.
Stress or fear: A person may wander off because of a reaction to an over-stimulating or unfamiliar environment, or after a loud noise, or a situation which he/she doesn't understand.
Searching or boredom: People with Alzheimer's may get lost while searching for something or someone. They may wander off to do something.
Basic needs: Alzheimer's affected persons may wander off to look for food or a washroom, or they may want to go outside.
In fact, the reasons why a dementia-affected person would wander off are endless.
How to prevent wandering?
Wandering is not harmful if it happens in a controlled and safe environment. But wandering could raise some safety concerns.
Try to identify why a person is wandering. If he/she wanders off at the same time every day, then it could mean that he/she is feeling bored. Try to keep them engaged in some meaningful activity. If they are looking for a spouse or child, put up a sign that the person they are looking for would arrive soon.
How to keep your loved ones safe?
Reduce hazards: Remove all tripping hazards like power extension cords, cables, doormats and similar things. Install lights for aiding nighttime wanderers. Install gates at the staircase to prevent inadvertent falling.
Install locks and alarms: There are several devices that can alert a person on the move. You can place pressure alarms beneath doormats or at the bedside. Warning doorbells and childproof covers can also work. If the affected person can unlock doors while wandering, you can install a sliding bolt lock out of his/her sight.
Camouflage doors: You can place removable curtains on the doors, or camouflage them with wallpaper or paint that match surrounding walls. Signs on the doors can also help.
GPS devices: You can ask the Alzheimer's affected person to wear a GPS device so that you can get electronic alerts about his/her location. If the person wanders off, you can quickly get a notification about the whereabouts.
Ensuring a safe return
Wanderers, who are lost, could be difficult to find because their reactions are often unpredictable. For instance, they may not seek or help or respond to search calls. When they are found, they may not remember their names or where they stay.
If a person from your family has a habit of wandering, inform the local police station immediately. Give them a picture of the person and a bio-data, so that in case of wandering off, identifying becomes easier. Also, keep a list of some emergency phone numbers that you can use if the person wanders off.
Some non-government organizations (NGOs) provide 24-hour support to Alzheimer's affected people in case of emergency, for a small fee. You can enroll for a safe-return program with these NGOs.
Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Kalpesh_Z_Makwana/2140228
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9175802