11 Signs that Someone with Dementia or Alzheimer’s May Wander

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that nearly 5.7 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s dementia. That number is expected to grow to 13.8 million. If you have a loved one who is among the population currently living with dementia or a Baby Boomer at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia in the near future, one of the greatest fears you have is of your loved one wandering off and getting hurt – or worse.

These are at least 11 signs you can be on the lookout for that indicate your loved one may be at risk for wandering.

1. Forgets directions to places that should be familiar.
2. Takes longer than normal to return from routine activities.
3. Has forgotten where rooms within the home are located.
4. Prepares to go home when already at home.
5. Often finds new environments confusion and is easily lost within them.
6. Displays restless pacing and other repetitive motions.
7. Tries to go to work despite being retired for years.
8. Forgets what they are going to do (chores, meal preparations, etc.).
9. Asks about family members or pets who have passed away.
10. Becomes nervous or anxious in crowded places.
11. Attempts to perform tasks but accomplished nothing.

If you notice these indicators, you might want to pay closer attention to the routine of your loved one and even consider preventative measures to prevent wandering as well as responses you and your family will take if your loved one does wander off.

Preventing Wandering Among Dementia Patients

People with dementia wander for different reasons. Some things, though contribute to wandering more than others. Understanding why people living with dementia wander can help you prevent them from wandering. Common reasons include:

• Idle hands and minds
• Agitation, pain, or discomfort
• Memory loss
• Disorientation

You can act to prevent many of these common causes by keeping your loved ones busy and on a schedule, creating a routine for their days, surrounding them with familiar objects, photos, etc. and keeping a sharp eye on their activities.

Prevention is great, but not always enough. If you’re worried about your loved one wandering away and becoming disoriented or lost, consider investing in GPS tracking for elderly or dementia individuals experiences memory issues.

Using GPS tracking for Alzheimer’s and dementia provides a second line of defense that allows you to quickly locate and retrieve your lost loved one. You can even create alerts to allow you when they are on the move outside of certain hours or they leave a specific geographic area.

If you have a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s and are worried about them wandering, consider using GPS tracking for peace of mind and to help keep them safe. Call us here at LiveViewGPS to learn more about GPS tracking for Alzheimer’s and dementia. 1-888-544-0494

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