Warning Signs of Wandering
Warning Signs of Wandering
One of the questions a caregiver must ask when their loved one begins to wander is why? Realizing that there is a purpose behind your loved one's attempted escapes is essential. You need to figure out where they are trying to go and what your loved one is trying to achieve.
What Are You Seeing?
Each person’s reason for wandering is as individual as they are different. Don’t make the assumption that your loved one is wandering to wander. There is usually a reason and a purpose behind your family member's behavior.
By watching closely, you can figure out why your family member is wandering. Just asking your loved one why they are wandering most likely won't give you the answer. You might have to take the time to observe what is happening, to figure out the reason for the behavior.
First, you need to find out what is the motivation and feelings when wandering occurs. Below are some questions to help you analyze why your loved one is wandering:
- Behaviors: Is your loved one trying to escape by leaving the building? Are they unintentionally leaving the premises or getting lost? Moving from place to place frequently without a destination or perceived direction? Is your loved one fretfully walking or anxiously pacing? When outside, is your family member having difficulty recognizing or locating familiar landmarks? Is your family member shadowing you or another person?
The answer to these questions can help you to tell the difference if your family member’s wandering habits are because of disruptions in their sleep/wake cycle. Or if they are experiencing visual hallucinations before they fall asleep or if your loved one is disoriented after a bathroom visit.
- Time of Day and Frequency: If you look for patterns when your loved one starts to wander, it can help you figure out why. Give some thought about how often these behaviors happen and when they happen. For example, if the person is getting up at 7:00 am and trying to go out the front door. Or, if the family member’s behavior starts at 9:00 am and continues until 5:00 pm. Think about your loved one’s past routines. Did they get up at 7:00 am to go to work? Did they hold a 9-5 job?
Sometimes the timing of the action coincides with what they used to do. In their mind, they’re still getting up and going to work. Or picking up a child, making breakfast, or going for a walk is a routine from the past. This is now a catalyst for your family member to leave home.
Ways to Prevent Wandering
Your family member’s wandering habits may not pose any harm to your loved one, it just may be annoying. If the wandering is of this nature, then it doesn’t require any intervention. Actually, walking around is a health benefit and can be a great activity.
But if your family member is walking to the point of being exhausted, falling, getting lost, escaping, or losing weight, then an intervention is necessary.
Figure out the time of day your family member wanders. Plan to have extra activities or some type of exercise during this time. It will decrease the anxiety and restlessness of wanting to leave. Also, check to see if your loved one is hungry or thirsty or has to go to the bathroom.
Think about adding an indoor monitoring system or a door alarm. Place locks either higher or lower than average on doors leading to the outside. Place a tracking device on your loved one, whether it's a shoe insert, bracelet, or another type of jewelry.
Keeping your loved one safe is essential. If you are unable to be with your family member sometimes, call us at Right at Home. We can supply an in-home care specialist to keep your family member safe.
