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In-Home Dementia Care in Manhattan & Surrounding Areas

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Many seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia wander from their homes and get lost. The Alzheimer’s Association reports that six out of ten people with this disease will do so. What’s even more concerning is that they can do this at any time during the day or night, by vehicle, on foot, or public transportation. Learn more about the underlying causes and view the tips below to be informed about your loved one’s condition while preparing yourself accordingly.

What Are The Underlying Causes?

Seniors with dementia often become confused with their surroundings, which may even occur in their own homes or familiar places. A few common reasons why they might wander from home include:

● Getting lost while searching for the bathroom

● Waking up hungry or thirsty

● Feeling too hot or cold and looking for comfort

● Side-effects of new medication causing confusion

● Seeking peace and quiet if there’s too much noise

Determining the cause of your loved one’s wandering can help you find a solution.

Prevention Tips

Although there is no single solution to all dementia-related wandering, the best way to keep your loved one safe is by trying out these helpful tips.

Adjust Surroundings

If the senior’s environment is the cause of wandering, small preventative measures can be taken. This can include leaving a glass of water or crackers beside the bed if the cause is hunger or thirst. Having an extra blanket by the bed in case their bedroom gets cold or reducing noise that may disturb their sleep. These are all simple measures that can be adjusted accordingly.

Secure the Home

The biggest danger of wandering is when a senior goes outside and leaves their home, especially at night. Consider keeping doors locked or installing slide bolts at the top or base of doors away from eye level. Hanging bells on doorknobs creates an alert when the doors are opened. You can also place stop signs on doors to prevent them from leaving and place labels on doors to help them find their way in the home.

Identification

If a senior wanders and leaves home, having proper identification on them is important. The best option is a wearable ID, such as a medication bracelet, and should include their name and emergency contact information.

Notify Others

It’s a good idea to notify neighbors and local authorities that your loved one may wander. Should they be seen out on their own, let them know to contact you or a designated person immediately.

Keep a Close Eye

Since wandering can happen at any time, it’s essential to have someone always available keep a close eye on your loved one. It can be difficult for many families to supervise them 24/7, so consider having a professional caregiver who can help at any time, whether it’s full-time, part-time, day, or night.

Be Prepared

If the worst-case scenario should happen, it’s best to always be prepared. If your loved one wanders and gets lost, you should have the correct information and a recent photo available to give to local authorities, this can help them be easily identified. It’s also helpful to have a list prepared of places they may wander off to.

Comfort Keepers In-Home Dementia Care New York

To learn more about our dementia care services in New York and see how we can help your loved one, call Comfort Keepers at (212) 221-3262 today! Our professional representatives will be happy to help you.