NEW YORK — For those living with dementia, wandering can frequently occur and be potentially dangerous.
According to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, wandering becomes even more hazardous in the summer heat because high temperatures and prolonged sun exposure can rapidly result in heat stroke and dehydration.
To assist caregivers who are protecting loved ones with dementia, the AFA compiled several tips to decrease the likelihood that wandering occurs. It also describes how caregivers should respond if their loved one with dementia goes missing.
“Hot summer months create additional safety risks if someone with dementia wanders from home, which is why their family caregivers need to be proactive,” Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s director of Educational and Social Services said in the release. “Creating a setting where someone with dementia can maintain the benefits of walking by being active and stimulated in a safe environment, while also meeting basic needs, and having an emergency plan in place, are the best ways to protect the person’s well-being and quality of life.”
Tips for families include examining the motivations for wandering.
The AFA said there can be numerous reasons for someone with dementia to want to walk outdoors, including the feelings of purposefulness, excitement or pleasure the experience can provide. This is especially true for people who lived an active lifestyle before the onset of their illness.
Caregivers are advised to identify consistent, sustainable ways to support physical activities and stimulation in a safe environment.
“Create walking paths around the home with visual clues and engaging objects; involve the person in simple tasks; and offer enjoyable activities (i.e., exercise, music, crafts),” the AFA said. “Ensure the basic needs (i.e., thirst, hunger, a need to use the bathroom) are met, as wandering can also be an expression of an unmet need.”
It is also important that caregivers safeguard the home.
Avoid clutter and eliminate tripping hazards to allow for free, safe movement. Be aware that objects such as car keys, jackets and purses might trigger someone with dementia to leave suddenly.
“Install electronic chimes or doorbells on doors so someone is alerted if the individual tries to exit,” the AFA said. “Consider using a smart doorbell with an app that can notify you when someone is entering or exiting the home.”
Additionally, it is critical for caregivers to be aware of your loved one’s patterns.
Be knowledgeable of what times of day the loved one with dementia might be most active and try to offer stimulating activities during those times. Healthy sleep habits can go a long way toward reducing the chances of a person leaving during the middle of the night as well.
“If your loved one does wander, document their patterns (frequency, duration, time of day, etc.) to help guide you in the future,” the AFA said.
Another recommended step is developing a safety plan.
The AFA said to keep a list of places a person might go, whether it be a previous home, former place of employment or favorite spot around town. Always have a recent, close-up photo and medical information ready to give to first responders if necessary.
“Keep a list of people to contact if the person goes missing and ask neighbors to call you if they see the person on their own,” the AFA said. “See if your community has a safety program for families affected by dementia, such as Project Lifesaver, which allows you to voluntarily enroll your loved one to receive locating technology, which first responders can activate if the person goes missing.”
The AFA also advises caregivers to get as much input from loved ones with dementia as possible when putting together a safety plan.
Lastly, the AFA encourages caregivers to mitigate risks by taking precautions.
The summer is a key time to take precautions for the aforementioned reasons. Ensure that an individual with dementia is properly hydrated, dressed in light clothing, protected from the sun and always supervised when outdoors.
“Keep a hat handy to protect your loved one’s eyes and face. Using tracking devices or alarms, and educating neighbors about your loved one’s condition, can also help quickly locate an individual if they do wander,” the AFA said.
The AFA runs a helpline that is run entirely by licensed social workers who are specifically trained in dementia care. They can provide added information about wandering prevention tips, the AFA said.
The helpline is available seven days a week by phone at 866-232-8484, text message at 646-586-5283 and online by clicking here.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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