Who is at risk? Everyone living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia is at risk for wandering. Common signs a person may be at risk of wandering include: • Returning from a regular walk or drive later than usual. • Forgetting how to get to familiar places. • Talking about fulfilling former obligations, such as going to work • Trying or wanting to “go home” even when at home. • Becoming restless, pacing or making repetitive movements. • Having difficulty locating familiar places, such as the bathroom, bedroom or dining room. • Asking the whereabouts of past friends and family. • Acting as if doing a hobby or chore, but nothing gets done. • Appearing lost in a new or changed environment. • Becoming nervous or anxious in crowded areas, such as markets or restaurants. Reduce the risk of wandering The following tips may help reduce the risk of wandering and can bring peace of mind to caregivers and family members; however, these actions cannot guarantee that a person living with dementia won’t wander. • Provide opportunities for the person to engage in structured, meaningful activities throughout the day • Identify the time of day the person is most likely to wander (for those who experience “sundowning,” this may be starting in the early evening.) Plan things to do during this time — activities and exercise may help reduce anxiety, agitation and restlessness. • Ensure all basic needs are met, including toileting, nutrition and hydration. Consider reducing – but not eliminating – liquids up to two hours before bedtime so the person doesn’t have to use and find the bathroom during the night. • Involve the person in daily activities, such as folding laundry or preparing dinner. Learn about creating a daily plan. • Reassure the person if he or she feels lost, abandoned or disoriented. • If the person is still safely able to drive, consider using a GPS device to help if they get lost. • If the person is no longer driving, remove access to car keys — a person living with dementia may not just wander by foot. The person may forget that he or she can no longer drive. • Avoid busy places that are confusing and can cause disorientation, such as shopping malls. • Assess the person’s response to new surroundings. Do not leave someone with dementia unsupervised if new surroundings may cause confusion, disorientation or agitation. For individuals in the early stage of the disease and their care The URBAN EXPERIENCE | 2021 27 “Though those with Alzheimer’s might forget us, we as a society must remember them” -Scott Kirschenbaum
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