Coping with Wandering
Alzheimer’s care brings specialized support and guidance to families and their loved one as the disease progresses.
Alzheimer’s disease causes changes in the brain that then cause odd behaviors, like wandering. Wandering is incredibly scary because it can seem unpredictable to family caregivers and other people. Typically, the triggers for this behavior are confusion, disorientation, or a basic need that hasn’t been met. It’s a dangerous situation, but Alzheimer’s care providers can help families manage wandering and reduce the likelihood it will happen.
Causes of Wandering with Alzheimer’s Disease
Wandering is a symptom, although often families might see it as a separate problem. Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may start to wander more as the disease progresses.
As their memory issues increase, seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may not be able to recognize people or places that should be familiar to them. They can start to feel anxious or frustrated, which triggers them to leave the current situation to deal with those emotions.
Around-the-Clock Supervision and Monitoring
If seniors have started to wander, around-the-clock supervision is a helpful solution. 24-hour Alzheimer’s care ensures that seniors with Alzheimer’s disease have routines that resolve their basic needs before they become a problem. These professional caregivers can also offer assistance overnight if seniors wake up and become disoriented.
Creating Safe and Stimulating Environments
When their environment is both appropriately stimulating and safe, seniors may not experience a desire to wander as often. Alzheimer’s care providers can help families secure exterior doors, for instance, to make it more difficult for seniors to leave the house alone.
Engaging activities encourage both mental and physical stimulation, which can help to reduce restlessness and, therefore, wandering.
Using Technology to Help
For seniors who are especially prone to wandering, there are newer technologies that can help. GPS-enabled jewelry is easy for seniors to wear and can alert family caregivers if seniors leave a specific area. Alzheimer’s care providers can help make sure these items are worn and are working properly.
Establishing Routines
Routines help seniors with all sorts of issues, including wandering in the case of seniors with Alzheimer’s disease. Consistent schedules with everything from rest periods to meals and even bathroom visits help seniors with Alzheimer’s to have more predictable days. When they know what’s happening next, the anxiety and confusion that can trigger wandering are less likely to cause issues.
Communicating Well
Communication often becomes a problem for seniors as Alzheimer’s disease progresses. That can cause frustration and even anger, especially when seniors are trying to communicate a need.
Learning specific signs that indicate seniors have a need can improve communication, and that information allows family members to ask the right questions. Alzheimer’s care providers can help with this.
Caring for a senior with Alzheimer’s disease can feel overwhelming enough, but behaviors like wandering can feel even more difficult to manage. Alzheimer’s care providers can demystify wandering, helping family caregivers understand what’s happening so they can put better solutions and routines in place to support their beloved family members.
All of this makes a world of difference in stress levels, both for seniors with Alzheimer’s and family caregivers.
If you or someone you know needs help with Alzheimer’s Care in Comstock Park, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 560-4057 for more information.
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