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How to Make Wandering at Night Safer for People With Dementia
Wandering is a common and sometimes dangerous behavior for those living with dementia. It can be frightening for caregivers and the patient who wanders away from home.

Seniors with dementia may wander because they are disoriented and confused about their environment or situation. Overstimulation, loud noises, and unfamiliar environments can make it difficult for them to find their way.
Identify the Triggers

Wandering is a common symptom in Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, but it can also be a frightening one for the person with the condition. Caregivers must keep an eye on their loved one, and take preventative steps to ensure safety.

Identify the triggers that make it easy for your loved one to wander away. Often, this is caused by confusion or a desire to go back to their former home.

Another common reason people with dementia wander is because they have a strong sense of obligation to complete a task or complete a journey. This can occur when they try to perform responsibilities such as cooking dinner, taking care of a child or heading outside for a walk in the garden.

The best way to avoid dementia wandering is to provide a safe environment for your loved one with the condition. This can be done by providing calm environments, eliminating distractions and limiting exposure to unfamiliar places.
Make It Safer

Wandering is one of the biggest challenges for caregivers of people with dementia, but there are steps you can take to make it safer.

First, identify the triggers that may set off an older adult’s wandering and try to change them.

For example, if your older adult wakes up in the middle of the night because they have to use the bathroom, be sure to leave that area clear and well-lit. You can also put up signs with arrows that help the person locate the toilet.

Another strategy is to camouflage doorways. This can be done by changing the hardware or covering it with cloth that matches the color of the door.

You should also alert police and sheriff’s departments that your loved one has dementia so they can be aware of their behavior. You can show them a recent photo of your loved one to help them keep an eye out for them.
Monitor the Situation

Wandering at night is a risk for patients with dementia and caregivers. It has serious consequences and can lead to injury, death, and costly search and rescue efforts if the patient isn't found within 24 hours.

To reduce the risk of wandering, caregivers should try to understand the triggers that lead to this behavior. These may include a lack of sleep, breathing problems such as sleep apnea, or simply being agitated.

Often, people with dementia wander because they are seeking something or someone and can't find them. For example, they might be trying to get to a bathroom or looking for a safe place to walk outside.

To help your loved one stay safe, consider placing a commode near their bed or adding signs to doors that lead out of the house. trackers for alzheimer's patients Leaving a small amount of food or water by the bed could also be a good idea.
Call for Help

If you see your loved one walking erratically at night, it’s important to call for help immediately. This is a common symptom of dementia and can be very dangerous.

You may also want to check with the Alzheimer’s Association for a safe return program that can assist you with getting your loved one back home. There are also many specialized hotlines you can use for this type of situation.

Another possible cause of wandering at night is a person wanting to go back to their home, a place that they often grew up. This is often triggered by a combination of confusion, memory loss, and perceptual problems.
Here's my website: https://dementiatracker.co.uk/dementia-tracker-locator/