The last thing we want to hear is that our loved ones are developing dementia. It’s a scary thought, but it’s also a reality that people face as they age. About 60 percent of people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia wander, which can be dangerous for them and others. Wandering creates high-stress levels for caregivers and families who must always keep track of their loved ones. As you know, the only way to manage the wandering is to provide a safe environment for the sufferers by always keeping them under watch. This can be done by enlisting help from memory care units near North Richland Hills, TX who have experience in dealing with such cases.
What is Wandering?
Wandering is a common symptom of dementia. It can become dangerous for the patient and their loved ones if it continues unchecked, so it’s important to minimize this behavior as much as possible.
Wandering can be one of the most challenging aspects of caring for a loved one with dementia, especially if they wander from your home or facility. The emotional impact is significant, but there are ways to prevent these episodes from occurring.
Ways to Determine That a Patient Is Wandering
When a patient wanders, they may be at risk of harm. They can become lost and confused, run into danger due to their inability to judge the situation they’re in, or go missing entirely. So it’s important that you know how to identify when a patient is wandering and what kind of care they will need afterward. There are several reasons why a person with dementia might wander: boredom or anxiety; medication side effects; environmental factors such as bad weather conditions; depression (which can often lead to wandering); and other issues that affect memory loss like amnesia or hallucinations (in which case you should consult your doctor).
How Can Memory Care Communities Help?
The most important thing that a memory care community can do to help provides a safe environment. This is especially important for dementia patients who may wander away from the facility and become lost or confused about their surroundings, putting them in danger of serious injury or even death.
Memory care communities also provide round-the-clock supervision of residents, making sure that they do not wander off and get lost. If a resident does wander, team members are ready to step in and find them as soon as possible (similar to what would happen if an elderly parent got lost).
Many memory care communities have staff dedicated specifically to wandering patients who will work with other staff members and families on strategies for managing wandering behavior. These strategies include things like changing routines regularly, so it’s harder for someone with dementia to predict when something will occur; dressing people up in bright clothing, so they’re easier to spot; keeping a visual list of where everyone should be at all times; creating areas within the community where people spend time regularly (like dining rooms) so there’s no need for doors between those spaces.
Conclusion
When it comes to wandering dementia patients, you must know the symptoms and dangers. If you notice signs of wandering in your loved one, get help quickly by contacting a memory care community as soon as possible!
