Caring
for someone with Alzheimer’s disease comes with many important things to
consider for their health and safety, including the security of their home. Alzheimer's disease and other
dementia causing conditions can affect the part of the brain that controls memory,
causing those suffering with the disease to be prone to wandering. The
challenges they face can make it extremely difficult to remember a destination,
directions, and even the reason behind wanting to leave in the first place. As
cooler months approach in New York State, the risks associated with
dementia-related wandering increase exponentially. Continue reading to learn
more about what you can do to help your loved ones stay safe this winter.
Creating Structure In Their Lives
According
to a recent Alzheimer’s Association study, six in ten people with Alzheimer’s
disease or dementia will wander. However, wandering often comes as a surprise
to family and caregivers. Creating structure in your
loved ones’ lives can help cut down on wandering. To create this structure, you
can set routines for daily activities. You’ll want to identify the most likely
times of day that wandering may occur and plan activities at that time.
Scheduled activities and exercise can reduce anxiety, agitation, and
restlessness. It’s also important to be mindful of avoiding busy places as they
can be confusing and can also cause disorientation which may throw them off
their routine.
Use Clear Communication
Clear
communication can go a long way when it comes to helping those with Alzheimer's
feel secure. That feeling of security can make the desire to leave
or become agitated less likely. If your loved one is feeling lost, abandoned,
or disoriented, you’ll want to reassure them that everything is alright. If
this person wants to leave to “go home” or “go to work,” use communication focused
on exploration and validation. You’ll want to refrain from correcting them. For
example, you might consider saying something like, “We are staying here
tonight. We are safe, and I’ll be with you. We
can go home in the morning after a good night’s rest.”
Another
reason someone with dementia may wander may be out of an attempt to take care
of the things they feel they need to. They may go out looking for a pharmacy or grocery store. You’ll want to use
validation-based language to help them feel secure. You might say something
along the lines of, “Everything we need is already here, so there is no need to
run errands today,” or “We’re safe and have plenty of groceries here.” You’ll want
to check in often and make sure that all their basic needs have been met. Has
this person gone to the bathroom? Are they thirsty or hungry? Having their
basic needs already met can also
decrease the likelihood that they will wander.
Secure the Area and Supervise
Dementia-related wandering can happen during any stage of the disease as people experience losses in judgement and orientation. In order to help limit triggers that may entice them to wander, consider the following:
- Be sure to install locks out of the line of sight; either high or low on exterior doors, and consider placing slide bolts at the top or bottom.
- Use devices that signal when a door or window is opened. This can be as simple as a bell placed above a door or as sophisticated as an electronic home alarm system.
- Provide constant supervision. It’s important that you do not leave someone with dementia unsupervised in new or changed surroundings.
- If the person is no longer driving, you’ll want to remove access to car keys. The person may forget, or even just disagree that they can no longer drive.
- If the person is still able to drive, you may consider installing a GPS device to help them if they get lost.
What To Do If Your Loved One Has Wandered
If
your loved one has wandered, search the immediate area for no more than 15
minutes. Call emergency services and report that a person
with Alzheimer’s disease — a “vulnerable adult” — is missing. Additional tips and resources are available
any time – day or night – at alz.org/care or through the Alzheimer’s
Association’s free, 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900.
Living
with or caring for someone who has dementia or Alzheimer’s is challenging, but
there are ways to help both you and your loved one cope. It’s also important to
discuss different home coverages you have on your insurance policy should
someone fall or injure themselves in the home. Ask your local agent for the
specifics of your insurance policy to make sure you have proper coverage.
