Dementia Safety and Wandering

At our Organizing workgroup meeting we discussed focusing on 3 of the characteristics of dementia friendly communities. Previously in the blog, I have discussed focus 1 and 2. Now, point 3: People with dementia can live safely and be as independent as possible in settings that promote physical, mental/intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual wellness. I'll break this into 6 sections. Safety is a critical step in the "second stage" of dementia (using the 3 stage analysis: mild, medium, severe).

Before discussing Safety, I need to define "wandering". Wandering, in people with dementia, is a common behavior that can cause great risk for the person and is often the major priority (and concern) for caregivers. It is estimated to be the most common form of disruption from people with dementia. Even in the early stages of dementia, a person can become disoriented or confused for a period of time. Warning signs someone with dementia is wandering include  

• Returns from a regular walk or drive later than usual
• Forgets how to get to familiar places.
• Talks about fulfilling former obligations, such as going to work
• Tries or wants to "go home," even when at home
• Is restless, paces or makes repetitive movements
• Has difficulty locating familiar places like the bathroom, bedroom or dining room
• Asks the whereabouts of past friends and family
• Acts as if doing a hobby or chore, but nothing gets done (e.g., moves around pots and dirt without actually planting anything)
• Acts nervous or anxious in crowded areas, such as shopping malls or restaurants.