(Do not leave a person living with dementia unsupervised in new or changed surroundings, and never lock a person in at home.) Place deadbolts out of the line of sight, either high or low, on exterior doors.Do not leave someone with dementia unsupervised if new surroundings may cause confusion, disorientation or agitation.ĭownload, print and keep the checklist handy to prevent dangerous situations and help maximize the person living with dementia’s independence for as long as possible. Assess the person’s response to new surroundings.Avoid busy places that are confusing and can cause disorientation, such as shopping malls.The person may forget that he or she can no longer drive. If the person is no longer driving, remove access to car keys - a person living with dementia may not just wander by foot.If the person is still safely able to drive, consider using a GPS device to help if they get lost.
Reassure the person if he or she feels lost, abandoned or disoriented.Involve the person in daily activities, such as folding laundry or preparing dinner.Consider reducing – but not eliminating – liquids up to two hours before bedtime so the person doesn’t have to use and find the bathroom during the night. Ensure all basic needs are met, including toileting, nutrition and hydration.Identify the time of day the person is most likely to wander (for those who experience “ sundowning,” this may be starting in the early evening.) Plan things to do during this time - activities and exercise may help reduce anxiety, agitation and restlessness.Provide opportunities for the person to engage in structured, meaningful activities throughout the day.The following tips may help reduce the risk of wandering and can bring peace of mind to caregivers and family members however, these actions cannot guarantee that a person living with dementia won’t wander.
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