Most Alzheimer’s patients (60%) experience wandering behavior at some point in their lives.  The risks and reality of this fact present challenges and create anxiety for the caregiver.  The loved one seems to become disoriented to space, time, place and people. Nothing looks or feels familiar to her/him.

In our journey with our mother, we observed an escalation of this tendency.  At first, we just kept a watchful eye at the grocery store, in department stores, when she was in the yard, etc.  Then, it became necessary for someone to be with her because she could move out-of-sight very quickly.  Finally, we knew we could not realistically be near her every moment, even at home.  For her safety, we put locks on the doors, unreachable by her.  This “imprisonment“of our own mother moved us to a new level of sadness.

One dramatic experience with our mother got our attention. My sister, Mary, and her family took mother on a vacation at the beach.  This was glorious when they could be outside where all eyes could be on her and she could occupy herself tirelessly picking up shells and feeling the freedom of sand, ocean mist, and blue sky.  Inside the condo was another matter.  This seems contradictory, but it illustrates the fact that safety is illusive. Mary and her rather large family were enjoying fellowship after a meal when suddenly they missed mother.  A quick search of all rooms in the condo was fruitless.  They fanned out into the hallways, some of them connecting their condo building with other look-alike structures.  Each building had multiple stories, and nondescript condo entrances.  Mother did not know the condo number, or her own name.  After experiencing panic, flurries of activity, and searches they finally saw Mother walking calmly down one of the long hallways, knocking on each door as she went!  She was safe and rather unperturbed. 

In hindsight, this account is amusing, even comical.  But incidents of lost persons who wander away from their homes do not always end well.  They face innumerable perils.  Our experiences caused us to reach deep within ourselves to find ways to avoid the stress of wandering behavior on mother and on caregivers. Some of our discoveries are acknowledged here, along with some tips from the Alzheimer’s Association (noted by an *).

 ·         Anticipate restlessness (via observation) and engage the patient in physical activity such as walking, working a puzzle, coloring, folding clothes, etc. 

·         Be present to the person when he shows signs of disorientation or confusion.  Reassure the loved one of his safety. 

·         Place a mirror near doorways.  The reflection of a person’s own face will often stop him/her from exiting the door.*

·         Provide snacks, fluids, and bathroom breaks on a regular schedule. 

·         Include the loved one in family activities to the limit of his/her ability, however simple the involvement may be. 

·         Be alert to nonverbal cues which indicate that agitation and “flight risks” are kicking in.  Take note of what was happening leading up to the anxiety. 

·         Inform your neighbors and local emergency responders of the person’s condition and keep a list of their names and telephone numbers.* 

·         Keep car keys in a place inaccessible to the Alzheimer’s patient for whom driving is no longer safe. 

·         Be sure the patient is always wearing an identification tag of some kind.

The Alzheimer’s Update reviewed the Alzheimer’s Association's joint program with Medic Alert to help families whose loved one may wander or have a medical emergency.  The program is called Medic Alert and Safe Return, a 24-hour nationwide emergency response service.  For more information or enrollment call 1-888-572-8566.  You may also get more information about this lifesaving program at www.alz.org/safereturn.