For many families, the most frightening moment in caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s is discovering that they’ve left the house and no one knows where they went. Wandering is common and can happen at any stage of the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that six in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once. Learning why it happens and how to prevent it is a major part of keeping a parent safe with Alzheimer’s home care.
Why People with Alzheimer’s Wander
Wandering usually has a reason, even if your parent can’t explain it. They may be looking for something or someone, trying to get to a job they held years ago, or feeling restless and needing to move. Confusion about time can lead them to think they need to get to work or pick up a child. Fear, boredom, hunger, or needing the bathroom can also lead to wandering.
Wandering can happen on foot or by car, and it’s especially dangerous because a person may not know how to ask for help, may not recognize landmarks, and may be at risk in bad weather or traffic.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Some behaviors suggest your parent may be at risk of wandering:
- Returning from a regular walk or drive later than usual
- Talking about going “home” when they’re already home
- Pacing, restlessness, or trying to fulfill old obligations
- Trouble finding familiar rooms, like the bathroom
- Seeming lost in new or crowded places
- Asking where family members are who aren’t present
If you notice these signs, it’s time to put safety steps in place.
Make the Home More Secure
Simple changes can make it harder for your parent to leave unnoticed. Install deadbolts or slide locks high or low on exterior doors, out of the usual line of sight. Door alarms, motion sensors, and chimes can alert you when a door opens. Keep car keys out of sight, and talk with your parent’s doctor about driving if you have concerns.
Some families cover doorknobs with cloth or place a sign reading “STOP” or “Do Not Enter” on doors. A fenced yard can let your parent enjoy fresh air safely. Avoid locking your parent in alone, though, which creates a fire safety risk.
Address the Reasons Behind Wandering
Prevention works best when you understand the reason for the behavior. If your parent wanders in the late afternoon, sundowning may be a factor. More activity and light during the day may help. If they seem to be searching for the bathroom, clear signs and a lit path can make a difference. If boredom drives the behavior, regular activities and exercise can help meet that need for movement.
Make sure basic needs are met: food, water, comfort, and bathroom breaks. A walk together each day can satisfy the urge to move in a safe way. Some families also set up a safe indoor loop, a clear path through the house that a restless parent can walk without hitting a dead end.
Prepare in Case Wandering Happens
Even with precautions, wandering may still happen. Having a plan ready can save precious time. Keep a recent photo of your parent and a list of their medical conditions and medications. Have your parent wear an ID bracelet with their name and a contact number. GPS tracking devices, worn as a watch or placed in a shoe, can help locate someone quickly.
Let neighbors know about your parent’s condition and ask them to call you if they see your parent out alone. Make a list of places your parent might go, such as a former home, workplace, or church. If your parent goes missing, search the immediate area for no more than 15 minutes, then call 911 and report that a person with dementia is missing.
The Value of Supervision
As Alzheimer’s progresses, supervision becomes one of the most effective ways to prevent wandering. Many families find that a parent who wanders needs someone nearby for more hours each day, and sometimes at night.
Alzheimer’s home care provides that supervision through trained caregivers who know how to redirect gently, keep a routine, and recognize the signs that restlessness is building.
Caregivers can take your parent for safe walks, engage them in activities, and make sure doors stay secure. Overnight caregivers can help when wandering happens after dark.
Less Worry for the Family
Worrying that your parent might wander can make it hard to sleep, work, or relax. Taking steps to reduce the risk, preparing a plan, and arranging supervision can lower that worry considerably. Many families start with a few afternoon or evening shifts, when restlessness tends to peak, and add hours as the disease progresses. Others begin with overnight care because nighttime exits are the biggest fear. Alzheimer’s home care can be shaped around the hours when your parent is most at risk. If wandering has become a concern, talk with a home care agency about an assessment to identify risks and create a plan that keeps your parent safe while preserving as much freedom as possible.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s care in Bay City, TX, please contact the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care today. Call (832) 271-1600.
At Your Side Home Care provides exceptional home care for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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