Notes

Elderly Persons Wandering at Night
A person with dementia might wander because they believe it is time to go to work or look for their children. They could also be experiencing a common condition known as sundowning.

Minimize the possibility of wandering by reducing stimuli, such as loud noises and quickly moving objects. Hide car keys or other “trigger” items.
Poor Sleep Habits

Irregular sleep schedules, including frequent awakenings at night, can be a trigger for wandering. It is important for elderly individuals to get enough sleep in order to be rested and healthy. Abnormal sleep patterns incur high amounts of “sleep debt,” disrupting the circadian rhythm and depriving the brain of essential rest.

fall alert systems For people with dementia, sleep disturbances can cause anxiety and lead to hallucinations and delusions that can trigger wandering. These feelings can be especially dangerous if the person is left alone.

Caregivers can reduce the frequency of awakenings and wandering by establishing regular sleep habits. They should try to make sure a loved one goes to bed at the same time each night and limit daytime naps. They should also create a soothing bedtime routine, like reading or listening to relaxing music. In addition, they should keep their homes free of tripping hazards, such as area rugs and furniture. This includes locking cabinet doors and keeping hazardous chemicals and cleaners out of reach.
Hunger

Many seniors wander at night because they are thirsty or hungry. Leaving a bottle of water and some crackers near the bed could reduce wandering. It may also help to cut down on daytime naps and caffeinated drinks.

Agitation can also cause elders to wander. This can be triggered by the need to find a bathroom or by a desire to fulfill a former obligation such as going to work.

To help prevent these types of agitation, make sure that your elderly loved one has access to the bathroom at night and that their door is locked before they go to sleep. In addition, keeping doors and windows closed may help. And if your loved one is prone to wandering, you can get them enrolled in a program like MedicAlert’s Safe Return, which provides a 24/7 caregiver hotline. You can also invest in a system like the eNightLog, which monitors night-time activities and has better performance than pressure mats or infrared fences.
Disorientation

People who suffer from dementia sometimes become disoriented and frightened when they wake up at night. They may exhibit hallucinations, and they might even think they're being attacked by a monster or other scary entity. This can make them restless and agitated, which in turn can lead to wandering.

Unfamiliar environments can also trigger disorientation. Many elders who wander express a desire to "go home" or fulfill former responsibilities like going to work.

To reduce the risk of disorientation, keep your loved one's bedroom door closed and put a lock on any other doors that lead to the outside. You can also place alarms or sensors in the home to help prevent them from leaving. Dress them in bright clothing that is easy to see. Ensure that their basic needs are met, including water, food and sleep. Make sure their medications are on hand. Keep track of their hospital history and symptoms, as this can aid the doctor in reaching a diagnosis.
Anxiety

Anxiety can cause a person to feel restless, and wandering is one way of dealing with that feeling. It can also be a response to fear or stress, especially if the person feels that they are alone.

Providing a calm, quiet environment may help reduce restlessness. Keep “trigger items” out of sight (like car keys or a doorbell), and consider installing alarms, wandering prevention devices, or a fence in the yard. Medical Alarms Consider the times of day when your aging loved one is most likely to wander and plan activities that will engage them during those hours.

If your loved one wakes up at night and seems distressed, try to distract them with a favorite activity or snack. Reassure them that they are safe and there is nothing to be afraid of. You can also tell reassuring fibs to distract them, such as telling them that it’s a federal holiday and the office is closed today.
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