Wandering is a very common issue among people with dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. Not only is this very troubling for family members, your loved one could end up in grave danger because of this wandering. To help keep a loved one as safe as possible, the following advice might prove helpful.
The main reason why people with dementia wander is that they are simply confused about where they are or perhaps why they are in a specific location. While one might think they might be more confused at a facility for assisted living in San Diego, a person with dementia also can become confused at home. They may not identify their home as their residence, but believe that they actually live in a previous residence.
If your loved one resides at home and not at a community for assisted living in Oceanside or San Diego, there are a few steps you can take to increase safety. For instance, make sure that your loved one always has identification on them. In addition to ID in a wallet or purse, you can purchase medical ID bracelets or a necklace or even sew a label inside a favorite jacket and include a name and phone number.
Nighttime can be a particularly difficult and confusing time of day for people with any type of dementia. Often a person will have trouble sleeping and be up pacing the floor or become agitated as the sun goes down, and this increases the likelihood of wandering. Creating a busy, but stress-free schedule for your loved one can help. This will include planned mealtimes and an early dinner hour, as well as some type of exercise as well as a few engaging activities. These activities don't have to be difficult. It could include working on a puzzle, sweeping the back porch, folding laundry, setting the table and helping wash dishes. Exercise might be a short walk with the family dog or perhaps a swim class or some light dancing, it all depends on their physical abilities. At the end of a full day with plenty of activities, it can be easy for someone to fall into a solid, deep sleep.
Because wandering can be dangerous and very difficult for a family member such as child or spouse to control, more serious steps might need to be taken. Child locks can be placed on exterior doors and on windows to prevent a person from being able to leave easily. Placing bells on the doors can alert people that a door has been opened rather than having to keep an eye on someone constantly. Ask neighbors to be on the lookout in case your family member is seen wandering. They can simply call or text and let you know when it happens. Of course, moving into assisted living in San Diego also might be a good way to keep your loved one as safe as possible and give you some peace of mind.
Typically, a person with dementia will be safer at a facility for assisted living in San Diego or assisted living in La Mesa or Oceanside. This is because there is staff on hand 24 hours a day, and the staff should be trained to handle the needs of memory care residents. It is important when selecting a facility to choose eldercare designed specifically for memory care as this is the safest option, and the apartments and activities are designed to make life as manageable, stress-free and engaging as possible for people with Alzheimer's or any other type of dementia.
The main reason why people with dementia wander is that they are simply confused about where they are or perhaps why they are in a specific location. While one might think they might be more confused at a facility for assisted living in San Diego, a person with dementia also can become confused at home. They may not identify their home as their residence, but believe that they actually live in a previous residence.
If your loved one resides at home and not at a community for assisted living in Oceanside or San Diego, there are a few steps you can take to increase safety. For instance, make sure that your loved one always has identification on them. In addition to ID in a wallet or purse, you can purchase medical ID bracelets or a necklace or even sew a label inside a favorite jacket and include a name and phone number.
Nighttime can be a particularly difficult and confusing time of day for people with any type of dementia. Often a person will have trouble sleeping and be up pacing the floor or become agitated as the sun goes down, and this increases the likelihood of wandering. Creating a busy, but stress-free schedule for your loved one can help. This will include planned mealtimes and an early dinner hour, as well as some type of exercise as well as a few engaging activities. These activities don't have to be difficult. It could include working on a puzzle, sweeping the back porch, folding laundry, setting the table and helping wash dishes. Exercise might be a short walk with the family dog or perhaps a swim class or some light dancing, it all depends on their physical abilities. At the end of a full day with plenty of activities, it can be easy for someone to fall into a solid, deep sleep.
Because wandering can be dangerous and very difficult for a family member such as child or spouse to control, more serious steps might need to be taken. Child locks can be placed on exterior doors and on windows to prevent a person from being able to leave easily. Placing bells on the doors can alert people that a door has been opened rather than having to keep an eye on someone constantly. Ask neighbors to be on the lookout in case your family member is seen wandering. They can simply call or text and let you know when it happens. Of course, moving into assisted living in San Diego also might be a good way to keep your loved one as safe as possible and give you some peace of mind.
Typically, a person with dementia will be safer at a facility for assisted living in San Diego or assisted living in La Mesa or Oceanside. This is because there is staff on hand 24 hours a day, and the staff should be trained to handle the needs of memory care residents. It is important when selecting a facility to choose eldercare designed specifically for memory care as this is the safest option, and the apartments and activities are designed to make life as manageable, stress-free and engaging as possible for people with Alzheimer's or any other type of dementia.
About the Author:
Rue Nichols loves reading home health care blogs. To get more information about assisted living facilities in San Diego or for expert help finding board and care Aliso Viejo homes for your loved ones, please visit the Care Placement site now.
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