You can’t know when it will happen, however it is common for a person with dementia to wander and become lost; many do repeatedly. According to Medic Alert (live 24-hour emergency response service), over 60% of those with dementia will wander at some point during the course of the disease.
Wandering can be dangerous – even life threatening. There are many reasons why a person who has Alzheimer’s might wander including:
- Stress or fear.Your loved one might wander as a reaction to an unfamiliar or over stimulating environment, a loud noise or a situation he or she doesn’t understand.
- He or she might get lost while searching for someone or something.
- He or she might be looking for something to do.
- Basic needs.He or she might be looking for a bathroom or food, or want to go outdoors.
- Following past routines.He or she might try to go to work, do chores or buy groceries.
Preventing Wandering:
Wandering is not necessarily harmful if it occurs in a safe and controlled environment. However, wandering can pose safety issues.
To prevent unsafe wandering identify why the wandering might be happening. For example, if your loved one tends to wander at the same time every day or when he or she is bored, plan meaningful activities to keep him or her better engaged.
Install alarms and locks. Various devices can alert you that your loved one is on the move. You might place pressure-sensitive alarm mats at the door or at your loved one’s bedside, put warning bells on doors and use childproof covers on doorknobs. If your loved one tends to unlock doors, you might install sliding bolt locks out of your loved one’s line of sight.
Technology Can Help with Caregiving: Philips Lifeline founded the medical alert industry over 40 years ago and is now the #1 medical alert service in the U.S.2- to learn more about Philips Lifeline or other helpful senior resources visit Granny NANNIES resource page at:
https://grannynannies.com/Safety-Solutions
Now, more than ever, involving outside professional caregivers is a necessary part of being able to keep your loved one in their own home. Families want to take care of their elderly parents, but simply do not have the expertise that is required to take care of them.
Granny NANNIES refers professionally trained caregivers to help with daily living activities and personal care needs allowing you and your family to spend more quality time with your parent and more time to take care of yourself,- an essential element of being a successful family caregiver. Your caregiver is professionally trained and undergoes reference checks, physicals, criminal background checks, along with verifying state required continuing education credits.
From basic assistance to total senior home care, your caregiver can assist your elderly parent(s) with every aspect of their home health care needs. If it’s time to find help for your elderly parent, don’t wait.
Founded in 1990, Granny NANNIES offers services that can be personalized to meet the requirements of any individual, regardless of age or need. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, we provide quality, trustworthy, reliable and affordable in-home care. For more information on how we can help you, call 800-316-2669 or visit on the web at https://Grannynannies.com