Tips for Preventing Seniors from Wandering Off

Tips for Preventing Elder Wandering

When an elder has signs of dementia or is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, one concern for families is the potential for wandering. A person may go out for a short walk or drive following a familiar route. If distracted, disorientation can result, followed by getting lost.

Signs that a person is at risk for wandering include:

• Forgetting the route to familiar places.
• Talking about going to work though no longer working.
• Pacing frequently, and becoming anxious in crowded places such as the mall.

Steps to take to reduce the risk of an elder’s wandering or becoming lost include:

• A planned daily routine that includes set times for eating, beverages, and bathroom time to reduce agitation.
• Determining the time of day when wandering happens most often, and plan activities at that time.
• Assuring regular exercise and consistent sleep to reduce the restlessness that leads to wandering.
• Marking the inside of exterior doors with signs that say “Stop.” Mark rooms by function to limit agitation.
• Look into use of alarm devices for doors, windows, or for the elder to wear.
• Explore methods for having identification on the person most of the time.
• If the elder is still able to drive, consider ways to limit access to car keys.
• Keep a current picture of the elder on hand.