Wandering Creates Challenges for Those with Alzheimer's and Their Families

We fear for the safety of a loved one with memory problems. In the back of our minds, we wonder if we will suffer from dementia when we get older. One of the concerns for anyone with memory issues is the problem of wandering. For someone with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia-related memory issue, wandering can be extremely dangerous.

Someone with Alzheimer's may look to "find" their home because they are unaware that they are at home. Some people will face delusions. The individual might be reliving something from the distant past, like going to work or caring for a child.

Rebecca Hall, program director for the Alzheimer's Association Miami Valley Chapter, says the risk of a loved one with Alzheimer's who wanders adds additional stress that weighs heavily on caregivers and families. 

Hypothermia and frostbite are real dangers for those who wander off and get lost in winter. Even in 50-degree temperatures, too much core and limb heat can be lost, and in freezing temperatures that body heat is lost rapidly.

Wandering is Common

Experts at the Cleveland Clinic say that Six in ten people living with dementia will wander at least once, with many doing so repeatedly. Shaina Meyer, OTR/L, MSCS, occupational therapist for Cleveland Clinic, explains that many family members don't even bring up wandering because there are so many other health-related issues to be discussed.

I think that oftentimes family members or friends don't bring it up in the medical visit because there are so many other things that they are bringing up. So, I think that it's underreported from the family perspective.

Meyers says that health care professionals could do a better job of asking if certain behaviors are occurring that could indicate wandering. She said that wandering comes in different forms, including elopement, which means attempting to escape, repetitive pacing, and becoming lost.

While Meyer says that these are harmless in most cases, they can lead to more dangerous situations and even result in injury or death. There are ways family caregivers can do to help keep their loved one safe. Meyer suggests new locks on doors, alarm systems, and GPS trackers.

That way, if someone were to elope from the home or the environment that they live in, they can be tracked and returned safely. 

Steps to Take to Prevent Wandering

The National Institute on Aging recommends several steps families can take to protect their loved ones with Alzheimer's or dementia. 

• Medical bracelet: Make sure they are wearing a medical bracelet or have some form of identification on them. An ID will alert people to the person's Alzheimer's in case they run across them if they become disoriented and are unable to speak coherently. It also reveals the person's residence.

NIA recommends considering enrollment in the MedicAlert® +  Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Wandering Support for a Safe Return  Program (call 1-800-432-5378 to find the program in your area).

• Inform neighbors and local police: Inform your neighbors and the local law enforcement that your loved one has Alzheimer's and can wander off. Ask them to call you immediately if they spot the individual alone and moving.

• ID labels on clothes: Place labels on garments to aid in identification. 

• Maintain items to help with identification - Keep an article of the person's worn, unwashed clothing in a plastic bag to aid in finding them. Police dogs use that scent to help find someone who is missing. Also, be sure to keep a recent photograph or video recording of the person to help the police if they become lost.

If your loved one wanders, search the immediate area for no more than 15 minutes and then contact the police and the safe-return program — if you've enrolled. Experts say that the sooner you pursue help, the faster the individual is likely to be found.

Make the Home "Wander Proof"

NIA recommends numerous steps you can take to prevent someone being cared for at home remain safe and not wandering off. These include:

• Keep doors locked: Consider a keyed deadbolt, or add another lock placed up high or down low on the door. If the care recipient can open a lock, you may need to get a new latch or lock. Remember that because of the potential hazard they could cause if an emergency exit is needed, locked doors and doorknob covers should be used only when a caregiver is present.

• Doorknob covers and signs: Use loosely fitting doorknob covers so that the cover turns instead of the actual knob. Place STOP, DO NOT ENTER, or CLOSED signs on doors. Again, these should only be used when a caregiver is always present inside the home.

• Put up posters for distraction: Place miniature scenic posters on the door, install movable gates, curtains, or brightly colored streamers across the door, or wallpaper the door to match any adjacent walls to distract the care recipient with Alzheimer's disease from using the entrance.

Perhaps the most important thing for families to remember is never to leave someone with Alzheimer's who has a history of wandering unattended. Being a caregiver is challenging but supervising someone with Alzheimer's is very tough. 

See all the recommendations from the NIA here - Wandering and Alzheimer's Disease | National Institute on Aging.

Family Caregiving is Demanding

Being a caregiver is very demanding and can have a detrimental effect on the caregiver trying to juggle their career and family responsibilities with that of being a caregiver. When taking care of someone with dementia presents even more challenges. 

Beth Kallmyer, vice president, of care and support for the Alzheimer's Association, says caregiver stress can lead to caregiver burnout – a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion.

Caregivers who experience burnout put their own health at risk and compromise their ability to care for someone else. As hard as it may be, caregivers need to make their health and well-being an equal priority. Enlisting the help of family and friends to help with caregiving responsibilities or joining a caregiver support group can make a big difference and help prevent caregiver burnout.

Find Respite Care to Reduce Burden

Seeking professional care, either in the care recipient's home or in a family member's home, is desirable to provide quality care. However, this professional care does more than provide the care your loved one deserves; it reduces the stress and anxiety that is otherwise placed on family caregivers.

Even part-time help - called respite care - will benefit caregivers and the care recipient. Adult day care centers can often provide the needed supervision and care services part-time, relieving the stress on family caregivers.

• Adult Day Care Centers (ADCCs)

Formal Care May Be Necessary

The family may find that a memory care facility or assisted living facility will be necessary - Assisted Living and Memory Care Facilities. This professional care, especially quality care services, are costly. Many families are surprised to learn that health insurance and Medicare pay little or nothing toward long-term health care. Long-Term Care Insurance will pay for all types of long-term health care, including memory care.

• What Is Long-Term Care Insurance & What Does It Cover?

Medicaid will also pay for long-term care services, usually in a facility, if the care recipient has little or no income and assets. 

• Doesn't Health Insurance Pay for Long-Term Care? What About Medicare and Supplements? Medicaid?

If your loved one owns a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, don't delay in using the benefits. Access the policy's benefits immediately - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

Have You Prepared for the Consequences of Aging?

All of this stress dealing with your loved one should encourage you to start planning for your future aging and declining health. Long-Term Care Insurance is medically underwritten and priced, in part, on your age when you obtain coverage. In fact, most people get coverage in their 50s. 

Seek the assistance of a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to provide you with accurate quotes from all the major insurance companies that offer coverage. 

You get to decide the total amount of benefits within a policy, although premiums and underwriting standards vary dramatically between insurance companies. 

An LTC Insurance policy will provide you with tax-free benefits that will help pay for the quality care you deserve. It will also protect your 401(k) and other savings and give your loved ones the time to remain family instead of becoming caregivers.