How to Prevent Wandering in Dementia Patients

What causes wandering?

Wandering is a common behavior in dementia patients, and it can be a frightening one for caregivers. Up to half of people with Alzheimer’s disease will wander and get lost at some point during their illness, according to the National Alzheimer’s Association.

What can I do to help a loved one who is prone to wandering?

Caregivers can help a loved one who is prone for wandering by changing their surroundings, taking precautions and finding ways to distract them from the activity that is triggering the wandering.

Watch for patterns

The dementia patient you care about may have a habit of wandering at a certain time of day or in certain areas. When you notice this, plan activities for that hour or time of day.

Distract them from their wandering behaviour and get them to engage in something else, such as talking to you or looking at pictures. You can also ask them to do something they enjoy, such as painting a picture or going for a walk.





Take extra care with your loved one when they are agitated or have side effects from medication, as these can cause wandering.

Ensure they have plenty of safe and familiar places where they can go if they become disoriented or lose their way.





Consider wearing a GPS tracking device that can be used by emergency personnel to find your loved one, should they go missing.

Personal Medical alarm If you are concerned that your loved one could wander away from home, it’s important to talk to a doctor as soon as possible about their condition and the risk of wandering. They might prescribe a medication to prevent wandering or suggest other strategies, such as limiting outings or following a set routine.