Dealing with wandering in a person with Alzheimer’s can be frightening and exhausting. Caregivers often feel like they are on high alert 24 hours a day. Licensed Master Social Worker Cheryl Blanchard has some simplepractical advice to help understand and reduce the risk of wandering.
Tips for managing wandering:
- Provide plenty of activity during the day
- If they are safe, let them keep moving around
- Reassure and direct them to a safe area
- Disguise doors with “ do not enter” or “ stop “ signs or cover with curtains
- Put chimes on exterior doors
- Don’t leave them home alone
- Buy an identification bracelet
- Alert neighbors and local authorities
- Keep a recent picture handy
