Did you know that more than half of the 5.4 million Americans suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or Mild Cognitive Impairments are unaware of their condition? While developments in technology have certainly aided in our ability to detect these conditions at an earlier stage, these cognitive impairments are still far more common than one might think, and may be affecting your loved ones! From mood symptoms such as mood swings and disorientation to behavioral symptoms such as poor comprehension and misplacing common items, we will be focusing on the psychological symptoms of wandering off found in those suffering from these cognitive impairments. One of the most common symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s patients with around 60 percent of patients exhibiting such behavior, wandering can possibly compromise their well-being. Hence, what can be done to prevent loved ones from wandering?
Routine
Helping to build a daily routine for your loved ones to follow would result in them having purpose and responsibilities as they go about their daily activities. This would help outline some responsibility and agency over themselves, helping them to organize their life and this repetition and routine would help reduce the risks of them wandering. Plan daily activities that would keep them entertained while introducing regular meals and walks for them, establishing a concrete routine for them to follow.
Safety
If your loved ones begin to wander, this would result in them getting injured as they may fall or aggravate existing physical impairments. Hence, making your home a safe environment for them would go a long way in helping to keep your loved ones safe. Install high locks away from their line of sight would help deter them from wandering out of the house, while keeping car keys away from them would help prevent them from being encouraged to drive out of the house, endangering their well-being on the road. Motion detectors and cameras can be installed in the house to ensure that wandering would not occur, and home safety assessments can be conducted to ensure the safety of your house.
Early Detection
Your loved ones will often exhibit symptoms or behaviors which indicate a need to leave the house without your knowledge. From neglecting usual responsibilities such as work or housework to asking to go home when already at home, pay attention to the clues that they need to leave the house and take the appropriate measures to ensure their safety.
Senior Living at Rittenhouse Village At Northside
Here at Rittenhouse Village At Northside, we offer SHINE® Memory Care, providing your loved ones with a deeply personalized level of memory care. Incorporating data science and our experience in managing their cognitive impairments while providing them with the quality of life and engagement they need, our team is more than capable of taking care of your loved ones. Our memory care programs provide specialized care for your loved ones suffering from cognitive impairments and they will receive 24/7 care and support from our team of medical professionals. Do not hesitate to join our vibrant community, feel free to contact us for any further questions!
