Wandering is a common behavior in people with dementia, particularly as the disease advances. Caregivers should watch for signs that their loved one may be at risk of wandering and take preventive measures to reduce the chance of them wandering away and getting lost. 

Common Reasons For Wandering

• Inability to retain instructions such as to wait, stay in the car or house, or not leave a place

• Feeling agitated, restless, or unsafe resulting from:

  • Physical discomfort or pain

  • Hallucinations or delusions

  • Overstimulation, such as a noisy environment 

  • Boredom or wanting to expend energy  

• A need to fulfill long-standing habits and routines, such as going to work, taking care of children, running an errand or participating in a hobby. 

• Looking for something or someone.  This could be also related to their past, such as a former home, a favorite place, a job, or a person. 

• Wanting to “go home” even though they are home or feeling lost in their current location

• A reaction to a new environment, routine or situation that is unfamiliar 

• A response to something they hear or see

Signs That a Person May Be At Risk

• Statements such as: I want to go home, I need to go to work, or I have to go out.

• Increased restlessness, distress, or pacing

• Appearing anxious or confused in a new or crowded environment

• Returning from a regular walk or drive later than usual or not remembering to come into the house when they are outside

• Unable to stay on task and forgetting what they are doing or unable to complete the task 

• Forgetting how to get to familiar places such as the grocery store 

• Having difficulty recognizing their home or locating rooms, such as the bathroom, bedroom, or dining room.

Prepare

• Create a secure environment (see home safety) 

  • Purchase a smart doorbell or alarms which will alert you when a door or window has been opened or a mat has been stepped on. 

  • Place door locks above or below eye level and consider using confounding locks.

  • Secure the yard with fencing and a locked gate.

  • Install safety devices to limit how far windows can be opened.

    
    

• Draw attention away from the door.

  • Disguise doors by painting, decorating, or covering them. 

  • Cover door knobs.

  • Place STOP, DO NOT ENTER, or CLOSED signs on doors.

  • Move chairs and sofas so that they are not facing the door. 

    
    

• Identify patterns and triggers.

  • Anticipate the times they are likely to wander, such as the evening hours associated with sundowning. 

  • Remove from view items such as keys, coats, purses, and hats that are associated with leaving the house and may trigger your loved one. 

    
    

• Involve your loved one’s healthcare team. 

  • Report behavior changes or increased confusion.

  • Ask for a medication review. 

    
    

• Encourage regular physical activity. 

  • Schedule walks with a caregiver or a friend.

  • Have them spend time outside in a secure area.

    
    

• Use GPS for tracking.

  • Enable GPS tracking on watches and smart phones. 

  • Consider obtaining a tracking device such as a medical alert system or other GPS device. 

    
    

• Make sure your loved one has identification.

  • Consider a bracelet, pendant or smart ID that has their information on it. 

  • Put multiple copies of emergency contact information in purses and pockets. 

    
    

• If appropriate, tell neighbors and nearby businesses about the situation so they can alert you if your loved one seems to need help.

If Your Loved One Tries To Leave

• Remain calm.  The more upset you appear, the more agitated your loved one will become. 

• Make sure their basic needs are met and that they are not hungry, thirsty, in pain, hot, cold, or needing the restroom

• Address their agitation. (See Tips for Managing Behaviors)

• Ask them where they are going.

• Reassure them and validate their reasoning.

• Distract or redirect them with an activity 

If Wandering Occurs:

• Quickly search the nearby area where the person was last seen.

• Contact the police. 

  • Inform them of locations your loved one may go, such as former homes, jobs, or favorite places.

  • Share vehicle information, if you believe your loved one is driving, or public transit routes they have used in the past. 

  • Provide a recent photograph.

• Check for car keys, luggage, or other items that may indicate where the person may have gone, as well as credit cards. 

• Alert friends and neighbors.

• Have someone stay at home in case the person returns.