Dementia causes many challenging symptoms for seniors that caregivers must learn to manage and prevent. Out of all of these symptoms, wandering is the most troublesome because no one wants to think about their senior loved one getting lost. Seniors who wander sometimes wind up injured or ill before they’re found. Knowing the reasons a senior with dementia might wander can help you plan preventative strategies to keep your loved one safe.
Getting Confused in Public
So much information is available about keeping seniors safe at home that their chances of wandering in public spaces are often overlooked. Seniors with dementia may get lost in a crowded area, or they may find a quiet space if they’re overwhelmed by the noise. For this reason, caregivers who can keep track of their whereabouts in public should always accompany seniors with a tendency to wander. It’s also helpful to include identification information somewhere on your loved one’s clothing or body, such as on a pendant, which can help others get your loved one back to you.
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a homecare services agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
Restlessness
At some point, almost everyone has an urgent need to get moving. Seniors with dementia are also susceptible to getting bored, and they may wander in an attempt to burn off some energy.
Keep your loved one busy during the day by providing a well-rounded schedule of quiet activities combined with exercise. Enjoying a walk, doing some chair exercises, or simply spending time in the garden can all alleviate feelings of restlessness that cause seniors to wander.
Changes in Routines
Seniors with dementia depend on their daily routines to help them determine what’s supposed to come next. Sometimes routines change, and your loved one may get confused. For example, seniors who are used to eating after a bath may get up in search of food if the order of events changes because they think they forgot to eat dinner.
Try to make sure your loved one’s main activities happen in the same order every day. If something does have to change, be alert to the possibility of wandering. It also helps to work with other caregivers to maintain a consistent routine as much as possible.
Wandering may expose seniors to various dangers and threats. If you’re concerned about your loved one’s safety while aging in place, consider hiring a professional dementia caregiver. One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide home care. Phoenix families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Physical Discomfort
Night wandering is particularly troublesome because it could be hours before someone notices a senior has left the home. However, this is a common time for wandering to occur because seniors may attempt to fulfill a physical need without assistance. For example, seniors have been found at fast food restaurants in the middle of the night because they were hungry, or they may accidentally leave the house after getting lost trying to go to the restroom. For this reason, you’ll want to address your loved one’s physical needs before he or she goes to bed. Sometimes all it takes is a light snack or a restroom break before bedtime to help seniors stay asleep.
Caring for seniors with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is elderly home care Phoenix families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores. Call Assisting Hands Home Care today to learn about our high-quality in-home care services.