Alzheimer's Patient Care: Reduce the Risk of Wandering

One of the many concerns caregivers have with Alzheimer's patients is their tendency to wander. Alzheimer's patients wander for many reasons: confusion, anxiety, agitation, stress. There are some products available for when Alzheimer's patients wander, like a GPS style monitoring bracelet, but this can cost over $40 a month. To help reduce the risk of your Alzheimer's patient wandering, here are some tips that cost little or no money.

Keep surroundings familiar

Wherever your Alzheimer's patient lives, create a familiar surrounding by placing pictures of the patient and his family on the dressers and walls. This will help remind your Alzheimer's patient who he is and reduce the need to wander in search of familiar surroundings.

Don't leave your Alzheimer's patient alone

Unfortunately, Alzheimer's patients need constant supervision to prevent wandering and anything that may cause self injury. If you must leave your Alzheimer's patient for any reason, leave him with a trained caregiver.

Make sure all basic needs are met

See to it that your Alzheimer's patient is properly fed and toileted. This can reduce the risk of your patient wandering off in search of meeting these basic needs on his own.

Encourage movement

An Alzheimer's patient who has a bit more physical activity (walking, light exercising) is less likely to become agitated or anxious and feel the need to wander.

Reassure Alzheimer's patient when they begin to feel disoriented and confused

A frequent and continuous reminder of who you are and who your Alzheimer's patient is will reduce feelings of confusion and reduce the risk of wandering: Repeat your name and who your are to your patient. Remind your patient who he is and where he is. Go over pictures and names of people your patient knows everyday.

Do not let Alzheimer's patient have access to car keys

Wandering doesn't always entail walking. How often have you heard stories of Alzheimer's patients driving on the wrong side of the road?

Place mirrors near doorways

Seeing one's reflection may actually stop him from leaving a room and wandering off.

Sources:

Carina Cruz, Families can get help with Alzheimer 'wanderers'

The Record: Local p L3, July 26, 2010 Alzheimer's Association: Wandering, alz.org Jennifer Budd, What is Dementia?

How Does It Differ From Delirium?, Associated Content, May 13, 2010