The term ‘wandering’ refers to a common behavior in individuals with dementia, characterized by aimless or purposeful movement that can lead to harm or distress. This behavior often stems from the cognitive deterioration inherent in dementia, which affects memory, recognition, and spatial awareness. As cognitive function declines, a person may wander in search of something familiar or in response to a basic need, such as hunger or thirst, that they cannot articulate or satisfy independently. The individual may not recognize their own home or room, leading to attempts to leave in search of a place that feels safe and known. This behavior is further compounded by changes in the brain that affect judgment and impulse control, making it difficult for the person to understand potential risks or to remember instructions not to wander off.
The prevalence of wandering in dementia patients is significant, with studies suggesting that nearly 65% of Alzheimer’s patients will wander at some point, putting them at risk. This behavior is not a deliberate act of rebellion or a simple lapse in memory, but instead a direct consequence of the disease’s impact on the brain.
The Dangers of Wandering
Wandering in dementia presents multiple hazards, the most immediate being physical injury. Unsupervised, a person may stumble or fall, leading to fractures or other serious injuries, with risks intensifying if the individual steps into a busy street or navigates uneven terrain. In Florida, seniors with dementia also risk dehydration or heatstroke. Moreover, the possibility of wandering into water bodies cannot be overlooked, posing a risk of drowning.
Even if a wandering dementia patient escapes immediate harm, getting lost presents a profound danger. Once disoriented, an individual with dementia may find it impossible to return to safety without intervention. The longer a person remains missing, the greater the chance of encountering life-threatening situations, including the risk of becoming a victim of violent crimes.
Wandering affects family members, too. Reports of missing dementia patients often end in relief when they are found safe but can tragically result in injury or death when they are not. Each incident reinforces the need for vigilance and preventive measures to protect those vulnerable to wandering.
Memory Care Facilities and Wandering Prevention
Memory care facilities employ specific design features to prevent wandering, creating secure environments that allow for safe movement. Enclosed outdoor spaces mimic the freedom of open areas while ensuring residents remain within the property. Door alarms and electronic monitoring systems alert staff to unauthorized exits, facilitating prompt response to potential wandering incidents.
Facility staff receive specialized training in dementia care, equipping them with the skills to recognize and address the precursors to wandering. They engage residents in structured activities that provide a sense of purpose and reduce restlessness. These activities are tailored to individual needs, promoting mental engagement and physical well-being, which can mitigate confusion and the urge to wander.
While an initial reaction to learning about wandering is to mandate 24/7 supervision or severely limit the movement of risky individuals, these methods do not align with understood best practices regarding caring for patients with memory issues. Independence is important, even in assisted living facilities. Our goal is to promote independence in our residents while providing a safe, comfortable, and familiar location that limits the dangers of wandering.
Still have questions? We always want the friends and family of potential residents to feel comfortable and secure in their choice. Contact A Banyan Residence today to schedule a tour of our memory care and assisted living facility in Venice, Florida, and learn more about how we safely care for our residents.
