Your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease may at some point wander away from home. As her caregiver, you need to understand how to minimize the chances of wandering, so she will not become lost. This will keep your loved one safe and give you more peace of mind. The good news is that this behavior is fairly easy to keep in check by following some simple tips:

  • Your loved one should always be carrying some kind of ID, be wearing a medical bracelet. If your loved one becomes lost and cannot communicate verbally, the ID tells others that she has Alzheimer’s. It also lets them know here address.
  • Think about enrolling your loved one in the MedicAlert + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return Program (see www.alz.org or call 888-572-8566).
  • Tell your neighbors and the police that your loved one may tend to wander. Tell them to let you know right away if she is seen alone and is walking about.
  • Put labels in her garments so she can be easily identified.
  • Keep a piece of your loved one’s clothing in a plastic bag, one that was worn recently and not washed. The scent will help police dogs find her if she ever is lost for a long period of time.
  • Keep a recent picture or video recording of your loved one to help police identify her.

How to Prevent Wandering

alz wander

  • Keep doors locked. Think about using a keyed deadbolt, or put another lock high or low on the door. Also consider the Wander Alarm with Motion Detector. This device can detect movement of a person who is in a chair, room or doorway. A small receiver can be mounted wherever it is convenient for you. It will chime when your loved one goes through that doorway.
  • Put loose fitting doorknob covers over the doorknobs so that the cover will turn rather than the actual knob.
  • Put a Stop, Do NOT Enter Sign on doors that you do not want her to use.
  • Divert her attention from the door by putting scenic photographs and posters on the door. Put up removable gates, colored streamers or curtains across doors.
  • Install safety devices that you can find in hardware stores to limit the degree to which windows may be opened.
  • Secure your yard with a fence and a gate that locks.
  • Keep things put away that are signs of going outside or departing – shoes, keys, hats, coats etc.
  • If your loved one has a history of wandering, do not leave her unattended.