8 Ways to Prevent Alzheimer’s Patients from Wandering

The statistic is as startling as it is real: Six out of ten people living with dementia will wander at some point, a reality that turns everyday doors and routines into potential gateways to danger. For caregivers, the constant vigilance needed to prevent a loved one from slipping away unseen can be exhausting and filled with anxiety.

Yet, understanding that wandering is often a form of communication (driven by unmet needs, confusion, or old habits) is the first step toward effective prevention. This article moves beyond fear to provide eight practical and compassionate strategies you can implement today. These methods help create a safer environment, address the underlying causes of wandering, and ensure a plan is in place to bring your loved one home quickly, should the unthinkable happen.

Alzheimer’s Wandering is Dangerous

Getting lost or accidentally wandering away is a serious issue for people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and a significant worry for families.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6 out of 10 people with dementia will wander. It can occur at any stage of the disease, even if they’ve never done it before.

It might seem unbelievable that seniors who are frail, slow-moving, or who use a walker could travel a long distance without anyone noticing. But it really does happen!

The scary thing is that some older adults who wander away are never found, and some pass away due to accidents or exposure. 

That’s why it’s so important to keep your older adult safe and try to prevent them from wandering.

We explain why someone with dementia may accidentally wander away from familiar surroundings and share eight ways to reduce wandering and keep seniors safe, even when they do.

What Causes Alzheimer’s Disease-Induced Wandering?

There are many reasons why someone with Alzheimer’s might wander, including:

• Fear or stress – they might not recognize where they are, the environment is overstimulating, or a loud noise or confusing situation could upset them
• Basic needs – they might be looking for food, a bathroom, or want to get some fresh air
• Searching – they might get lost while looking for someone or something
• Boredom – they could be looking for something to do
• Old routines – they might be trying to go to work, do chores, or run errands like they used to

VIDEO: How to Prevent Wandering for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Patients

8 Ways to Prevent Alzheimer’s Patients from Wandering

1. Install Door and Window Alarms and Locks

Making it difficult for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia to get outside the house is essential to preventing wandering.

Simple home safety modifications can make it tough for them to open doors to the outside, including:

• Adding childproof door knob covers (like these) makes it more difficult to open doors
• Install an additional lock higher up on the door so they’re out of your older adult’s line of sight, because people with dementia often don’t look above eye level – try this for regular doors and this for sliding patio doors.
• Installing door and window alarms (like these) to alert you if they’re opened
• Using pressure-sensitive alarm mats (like this) on their bed to alert you if they get up at night
• Using an alarm like SafeWander that can be triggered when a specific threshold is crossed

Important: Be aware of fire safety needs for everyone in the house. Make sure all locks are easily accessible to people without cognitive impairment. Doors should still open quickly in an emergency.

2. Camouflage Doors that Lead Outside

Another way to discourage your older adult from opening doors that lead outside is to camouflage them.

People with dementia may be unable to find the door if it is covered, or to open it if large signs are posted on it.

For example, you could install a curtain rod above the door to hang a dark curtain or a wall hanging. Slide the curtain open and close as needed, taking care not to let your older adult see you do it.

You could also place large signs saying “DO NOT ENTER” or “STOP” on the door. Many people with dementia won’t open a door with such signs.

Another effective technique is to put a large black doormat in front of the door.

Seniors with dementia often mistake dark floor areas for holes and avoid walking over them. This will discourage them from actually reaching the door.

3. Clearly Mark Interior Doors

When they’re trying the doors leading outside, your older adult could actually be looking for an interior room, like the bathroom, kitchen, or their bedroom.

Make these key rooms easier for them to find by adding large signs or pictures on the doors, or by leaving the bathroom light on at night.

4. Find and Solve Triggers for Wandering Behavior

Another step is to identify the causes of your older adult’s wandering behavior.

Make notes of when it’s happening and what they were doing or saying just before.

Over time, you may discover a pattern, as they wander around the same time every day, when they’re bored, looking for the bathroom, or hungry.

If wandering is caused by boredom or a physical need, identify meaningful activities to keep them engaged, and encourage a restroom visit or offer a snack or beverage before that time of day.

Some people may be trying to return to a previous routine, such as going to the office in the morning or picking up a child from school in the afternoon.

To reduce this need, tell reassuring fibs that fit with their intention. For example, you could state that it’s a federal holiday and the office is closed today. Or mention that their child has a playdate at a friend’s house, and the friend’s mom promised to drop them off later. Then, distract your older adult with a favorite activity or snack to take their mind off their old routine.

Other seniors who are looking for a person or object may wander while searching.

Think creatively to reassure them that everything is ok.

You could say that the lost item is being repaired or in a safe place with a trusted friend. Or you might say the person they’re looking for called to say they were delayed but would arrive in the afternoon or the next day.

Encouraging them to describe the person or object often calms them, distracts them, and reduces the urge to search.

Enroll Loved One’s with Dementia in a Safe Return Program

In case they do get out of the house, make it easier to find your lost older adult by enrolling them in a program like the Alzheimer’s Association’s MedicAlert Safe Return.

Once enrolled, your older adult will get a wearable ID that allows people and law enforcement to identify a found senior and contact you. You can also call a 24/7 toll-free support line to report your older adult as missing.

You may also want to contact local law enforcement agencies to ask if they offer Silver Alert or similar programs that help families locate missing older adults.

6. Have Alzheimer’s Patients wear a GPS device at All Times

You might feel safer if your older adult wears a GPS tracking device at all times. A wearable GPS device, such as a wristband, transmits tracking signals that can be followed by rescue personnel.

Some local law enforcement agencies offer locator services like SafetyNet or Project Lifesaver.

If your older adult won’t tolerate a wearable tracker, consider the SmartSole. It’s a GPS tracker that’s hidden in shoe insoles.

7. Hide Keys, Purses, and Wallets from Loved Ones with Dementia

If car keys are left in the car, seniors could drive away before you return from a quick bathroom break.

To prevent this, ensure all car keys are well hidden and consider adding a steering wheel lock.

Another precaution is to hide their purse or wallet. Some people won’t leave the house without those essentials.

8. Be Prepared In Case Your Loved One with Dementia Wanders Off

Other ways to prepare just in case your loved one with dementia wanders and gets lost are to:

• Snap a quick photo of them each morning. You’ll always have an up-to-date picture of them wearing the clothes they’re wearing that day, in case you need to show it to law enforcement and rescue personnel.
• Alert neighbors to their wandering behavior and share tips on how to distract or slow them down. Make sure all neighbors have your contact information.
• Sew or iron-on ID labels with contact information into all their clothes.

Final Thoughts on Wandering and Alzheimer’s Disease

By combining these environmental safeguards, empathetic communication techniques, and proactive safety nets, you are not just building barriers; you are creating a circle of care. Implementing even a few of these strategies can significantly reduce risk and restore a profound sense of security for both you and your loved one.

Remember, the goal is to protect their freedom and dignity while ensuring their utmost safety. Start with one change, whether it’s installing a simple alarm or having a reassuring conversation, and know that each step you take is a powerful act of love. You are not alone in this; with preparation and compassion, you can face the challenge of wandering with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Recommended for you:

• “I Want to Go Home” in Alzheimer’s: Try 3 Kind Responses
• 4 Top Dementia Accusations: Stealing, Poisoning, Being Held Prisoner
• 10 Affordable Products for People with Dementia That Increase Comfort and Calm

 

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