The patient/caregiver was educated on measures to reduce risk for wandering behavior in Alzheimer’s patients as follows:
- Alzheimer’s patients, secondary to worsening confusion, can often forget the directions to different rooms in their own house. Inability to realize the familiar environments can lead to wandering around by Alzheimer’s patients in an attempt to find their destination, especially during the nights when they wake up for restroom trips. Leaving reminders posted on the walls indicating directions to the usual places in house the Alzheimer’s patients frequent, such as, their room, restroom, hallway, and kitchen etc., can help reorient them towards their destination and reduce risk for wandering.
- Do not leave your loved one unattended in crowded areas and unfamiliar environments, such as, busy streets, grocery stores, and marketplaces. Anxiety from being all by themselves in these places can trigger wandering, resulting in them getting lost completely. Caregivers must avoid taking the Alzheimer’s individual into these crowded areas to the extent possible. Even if you do, keep a close watch on the Alzheimer’s individual and let them not wander away.
- Address their concerns appropriately and offer frequent reinforcements to the Alzheimer’s patient regarding their safety. Reassure the individual if they feel lost or neglected.
- Attend to their needs timely. Make sure they are properly fed on the mealtime. This can cut down the risk of them wandering to find the kitchen to get a quick bite. Leaving a snack on the side stand, providing frequent reminders for the same, and leaving a posted note on the individual’s bedside can help avoid their need to wander in the night for food.
