Spring in Your Step, Risks for Wandering

Posted by Erin Whalen, Alzheimer’s Care Specialist, Senior Living Residence on 30 March 2009 | 72 Comments

Tags: Alzheimer’s disease, wandering, safety, activities, behavior, caregiving

The arrival of spring in New England is cause for celebration, notably referred to as “spring fever.” In nearby neighborhoods, people are ready and anxious to be outside, to soak up the anticipated sunshine and warmth of the new season.

People with Alzheimer’s disease also sense the change in season and share “spring fever,” which is often accompanied by an eagerness to be outdoors. After a long winter, a springtime walk and more time outdoors can be a welcome change in routine for people with Alzheimer’s disease as well as their caregivers. However, caregivers and people with Alzheimer’s disease need to focus on safety and be aware of the potential for wandering. 

Wandering is a behavior associated with Alzheimer’s disease in which, due to memory loss and disorientation, individuals become lost after leaving the safety of their home. Many times, an individual will set out from home with a purpose or destination in mind. In the process, the individual may become confused and eventually lost, even in a familiar setting or neighborhood. Everyone with Alzheimer’s disease is at risk for wandering.

Wandering is a potentially life-threatening behavior. Becoming disoriented and lost causes great stress for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease. Often they are unable to ask for assistance, placing themselves at great risk. Caregivers need to monitor their loved ones and be alert for any signs of wandering.

According to the National Alzheimer’s Association, a person may be at risk for wandering if he or she:

1. Returns from a regular walk later than expected
2. Tries to fulfill former roles, such as picking children up at school each afternoon
3. Seeks home and states "I want to go home", even when at home
4. Paces frequently or has other restless behavior
5. Has difficulty locating rooms at home, such as the bathroom
6. Looks for caregiver or another familiar person often
7. Appears lost in a new or different environment

The National Alzheimer’s Association also provides a list of tips to for caregivers:

1. Incorporate exercise into daily routine to combat anxiety and restlessness
2. Take a daily walk together or find a friend for the person to walk with
3. Target specific activities for times when wandering is most likely to occur
4. Ensure basic needs are met: hunger, thirst, bathroom, and general comfort
5. Keep the individual engaged to avoid wandering, involve the person in daily activities, such as household tasks, hobbies or social programs
6. Secure and camouflage home exits: paint or hang a cloth over a door to match the color of surrounding walls
7. Provide reassurance for feelings of loss, abandonment or disorientation
8. Enroll the person in MedicAlert + Safe Return though the Alzheimer’s Association
9. Tell your neighbors and emergency responders about the potential for wandering

Resources and helpful links:
Enroll the individual with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia in the MedicAlert® + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return®, the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24-hour nationwide emergency response service.
http://www.alz.org/living_with_alzheimers_wandering_behaviors.asp
http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/challenging.htm