Having a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s wander away is a terrifying experience. According to the American Alzheimer’s Association, more than 60 percent of people with Alzheimer’s or dementia will wander, and if they are not found within 24 hours, will suffer serious injury or death. Here are 11 ways to prevent wandering.
11 Ways to Prevent Wandering
1. Try to make time
for regular exercise to help with restlessness.
2.Have locks that need a key to open,
and position them high or low. It’s been shown that many people with dementia will not think to look beyond eye level. Also keep in mind, these locks should be accessible to other family members for safety reasons.
3. Use a curtain to mask the door.
A stop or do not enter sign may work as well.
4. Place a black mat
or paint a black space in front of the door. This may appear like a big hole to someone who has dementia.
5. Try childproofing
the knobs by using plastic covers over the knobs.
6. Don’t be afraid to use technology for help.
You can install a home security system or monitoring system to keep watch over your loved one from anywhere. You can also use a wearable GPS device to track someone who wonders off.
7. Try hiding things like their coat, keys, or purse.
Some people will not go off without certain items.
8. Have your loved one wear an ID bracelet
and sew ID labels into their clothes.
9. Always keep a current photo
of your loved one, in case you need to report them missing.
10. Register your loved one
with your local police department or the Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return program.
11. Tell the neighbors about your loved one’s tendency to wander,
they can keep an eye out and call you if they see something.
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