Introduction

It is common for a person with dementia to wander and become lost; many do repeatedly. In fact, over 60 percent of those with dementia will wander at some point.

Wandering can be dangerous - even life threatening - for the person who wanders. The stress can weigh heavily on caregivers and family.

Keep your loved one safe by knowing the risk factors for wandering and enrolling in MedicAlert® + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return®, our 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for individuals with Alzheimer’s or related dementia that wander or who have a medical emergency. You can't know when wandering will happen, but you'll know what to do when it does.

What is wandering?

Many people with dementia do not fit the textbook definition of wandering, "To move about without a definite destination or purpose."

People with dementia who wander often have a purpose or goal in mind. They may be searching for something that is lost or trying to fulfill a former job responsibility.

Who's at risk?

Everyone is at risk for wandering. However, a person may be at risk for wandering if he or she:

• Returns from a regular walk or drive later than usual

• Tries to fulfill former obligations, such as going to work

• Tries or wants to "go home" even when at home

• Is restless, paces or makes repetitive movements

• Has difficulty locating familiar places like the bathroom, bedroom or dining room

• Checks the whereabouts of familiar people

• Acts as if doing a hobby or chore, but nothing gets done (moves around pots and dirt without actually planting anything)

• Appears lost in a new or changed environment

Causes

Wandering can be caused by several factors, including:

• Medication side effects

• Stress

• Confusion related to time

• Restlessness

• Agitation

• Anxiety

• Inability to recognize familiar people, places and objects

• Fear arising from the misinterpretation of sights and sounds

• Desire to fulfill former obligations, such as going to work or looking after a child

Tips to reduce wandering

• Encourage movement and exercise to reduce anxiety, agitation and restlessness

• Ensure all basic needs are met (toileting, nutrition, thirst)

• Involve the person in daily activities, such as folding laundry or preparing dinner

• Place color-matching cloth over doorknobs to camouflage

• Redirect pacing or restless behavior

• Place a mirror near doorways. The reflection of a person's own face will often stop him or her from exiting the door.

• Reassure the person if he or she feels lost, abandoned or disoriented

Tips to protect a loved one from wandering and getting lost

• Enroll the person in MedicAlert + Safe Return.

• Inform your neighbors and local emergency responders of the person’s condition and keep a list of their names and telephone numbers.

• Keep your home safe and secure by installing deadbolt or slide-bolt locks on exterior doors and limiting access to potentially dangerous areas. Never lock the person with dementia in a home without supervision.

• Be aware that the person may not only wander by foot but also by car or by other modes of transportation.

Tips for preparing for emergencies

• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers and addresses of the local police and fire departments, hospitals, and poison control as well as the MedicAlert + Safe Return emergency response number. 

• Keep a list of physicians phone numbers and current medications (with dosages)

• Keep copies of legal documents (living will, power of attorney, etc.)

• Check fire extinguishers and smoke alarms

If you have questions or concerns about wandering, call us at 1.800.272.3900.