Preventing Wandering
Wandering, characterized by aimless movement without apparent purpose, is a prevalent issue among individuals facing cognitive impairment. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, six out of every ten people with dementia are prone to wandering. For those grappling with conditions like Alzheimer’s, forgetting crucial information such as their name or address is commonplace, rendering them disoriented even in familiar surroundings. While wandering poses significant risks for individuals with dementia, there exist various strategies and services aimed at its prevention.
Assessing Existing Plans
The cornerstone of effective wandering prevention lies in having a well thought out plan in place, ensuring both the family and caregivers are equipped to respond swiftly and efficiently in case of an emergency. Here’s how to evaluate and implement such a plan.
Gather Pertinent Information: Request the family to provide a recent, high resolution photograph along with updated medical details of the individual. This information could prove invaluable in the event of a wandering incident.
Determine Handedness: Understanding whether the individual is right or lefthanded can offer insights into their potential wandering patterns. Typically, wandering tends to align with the direction of the dominant hand.
Identify Potential Wandering Sites: Solicit a list of places from the family where the person may likely wander off to. This could encompass past workplaces, previous residences, places of worship, or frequented eateries.
Immediate Response Protocol: Should a wandering episode occur, it is imperative to act swiftly. Immediately notify your agency and commence a thorough search of the immediate vicinity for no more than 15 minutes. If the individual remains unaccounted for after this period, contact your agency again and follow their instructions, which may include alerting emergency services by dialing 911. It’s crucial to inform the authorities promptly about the individual’s dementia diagnosis to facilitate a coordinated search effort.
Implementing Preventive Measures: Beyond establishing a robust response plan, there are proactive measures that caregivers and families can undertake to minimize the likelihood of wandering incidents.
Structured Routine: Maintaining a structured daily routine can help instill a sense of predictability and security for individuals with cognitive impairments, reducing the urge to wander in search of familiarity.
Environmental Modifications: Make modifications to the living environment to enhance safety. This could involve installing door alarms, securing windows, or utilizing GPS tracking devices to monitor the individual’s movements.
Engagement and Supervision: Keeping the individual engaged in meaningful activities and under close supervision can deter wandering behavior. Activities that stimulate the mind and body, such as puzzles, crafts, or gentle exercises, can help channel restless energy productively.
Identification Measures: Ensure the individual carries some form of identification, such as an ID bracelet or necklace, containing pertinent details like their name, medical condition, and emergency contact information. This facilitates swift identification and assistance in the event of wandering.
Community Involvement: Educate neighbors, local businesses, and community members about the individual’s condition to garner support and assistance in monitoring for any signs of wandering and facilitating a prompt response if needed.
Medication Management: Regularly review and manage medication regimes in consultation with healthcare professionals to address any underlying factors contributing to wandering behavior, such as anxiety or agitation.
Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation
Preventing wandering demands ongoing vigilance and adaptability. As the condition of the individual may evolve over time, it’s essential to continually reassess and adjust preventive strategies accordingly. Regular communication and collaboration between caregivers, families, and healthcare providers are paramount in ensuring the effectiveness of wandering prevention efforts.
While wandering poses significant challenges for individuals with cognitive impairment and their caregivers, proactive planning, implementation of preventive measures, and vigilant monitoring can significantly mitigate the risks associated with this behavior. By adopting a multifaceted approach that combines preparedness, environmental modifications, and community involvement, caregivers can strive to create a safe and supportive environment conducive to the wellbeing of those vulnerable to wandering.