How to Keep a Someone With Alzheimer's From Wandering

According to the U.S. National Institute on Aging, up to 4.5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease. For a variety of reasons, such as restlessness, fear, or a noisy environment, three out of four people suffering from Alzheimer's disease will wander at some point. They can wind up lost and alone with possible injuries and exposed to the environment. Here's how you can protect a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease.

Instructions

Stop the Wandering

• 1

  Ask if your loved one needs to use the restroom, or is hungry or thirsty. Alzheimer's patients often wander in search of the toilet or a drink of water, but in their state of confusion they don't remember where to go.

• 2

  Include movement and exercise in your loved ones daily activities. Alzheimer's patients might wander when they are feeling restless. By helping your loved one stay active, by taking walks or doing some light gardening perhaps, he or she is more likely to sleep better and feel less restless.

• 3

  Give your loved one a job to do. If an Alzheimer's patient has something to do that is familiar to what they did in their younger life, they might feel less confused and therefore be less inclined to wander. Make sure these are safe jobs, such as folding laundry or pulling weeds.

• 4

  Lock your front and back door. You should also put locks on windows, sliding glass doors, and the garage door, if appllicable. Consider placing a second lock high up or low on the door as well.

• 5

  Talk with your loved one. Let them know that they are in the right place, and they are safe and wanted. Try to keep them secluded from excess noise or excitement. Feeling calmer and more reassured will help keep your loved one from wandering.