Does your elderly loved one have Alzheimer’s disease? If so, have they recently been wandering? This can be a troubling symptom of this disease. You may be worried that your elderly loved one is going to get lost or seriously injured. It is important to prevent wandering as much as possible. If you need help to do this, caregivers can help. Learning more about the causes of wandering can help to prevent it from happening.
Fear and Confusion
Two of the main causes of wandering with Alzheimer’s disease are fear and confusion. When your elderly loved one is fearful of something, they may want to get as far away from it as possible. This might cause them to leave their home or the environment they are in. If your elderly loved one is confused about something, they might want to escape that feeling. This is another reason why they might wander away.
It is important for you and their caregivers to do all you can to prevent fear and confusion for your loved one. If it seems that your elderly loved one is fearful or confused, try talking to them. Sometimes distractions can help with these emotions.
Searching for Something
Your elderly loved one might wander because they are searching for something. They may even be trying to find a certain person. For instance, if your elderly loved one still believes their spouse (who has passed away) is in the area, they might go looking for them. If your elderly loved one thinks they misplaced an item, they might leave their home to find it.
If your elderly loved one is talking about someone or something they don’t have, take this as a sign that they might wander. Do what you can to diffuse the situation. Let your elderly loved one know that you will help them.
Feeling Trapped
Many people who have Alzheimer’s disease feel trapped. They get restless, agitated, and bored easily. All of these feelings can cause them to wander. If your elderly loved one is experiencing any of these feelings, talk to them about it. See what you or their caregivers can do to distract them from these feelings. If distraction doesn’t work, see what you can do to help them work through these feelings.
Needs
Your elderly loved one might need something. For instance, they might be hungry. Your loved one might wander to try finding food. It is important to regularly make sure your elderly loved one’s needs are met. This can help to prevent wandering.
Conclusion
These are some of the causes of wandering with Alzheimer’s disease. Now that you know more about these causes, you can help to prevent wandering with your elderly loved one.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20046222
If you or an aging loved one is considering caregivers in Minnetonka, MN, and the surrounding areas, please contact the friendly staff at CareBuilders at Home Minnesota. Call today 612-260-2273.
