How to Manage Wandering in Dementia Care
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Very informative...Thanks.
This information is very helpful. We have a resident who becomes very anxious and wants to go home to her family. It is very difficult to console her some afternoons as she becomes very fixated on leaving. I will try the home duties activity with her
What are good activities at night other than music when they are sundown behaviors?
Especially for sun downing and other night time behaviors-I have have been implementing a relaxation program after 6 pm the lights in the living area are dimmed. We also use some aromatherapy diffusers as essential oils can be very helpful, The aides use lavender hand lotion and give hand massages , put on some relaxing music and this can be helpful for sundowners ,night time behaviors, wandering, Helping to relax and soothe. Hope that helps!
Thanks so much for all your feedback, it is very much appreciated x
We have a large facility that allows and encourages wandering. It is a physical outlet for those who have led very active lives, or like you say they are on their way “somewhere”. Eventually they relax and sit, sometimes we offer very lifelike dolls, or babies for them to take care of. We even have a baby buggy to push around which they enjoy. Several of them are “babysitting” like a grandparent might.
Great information. :)
What do you say when residents won't get involved with activities because they say they are going home
Find a meaningful activity they like, hard to know what to say without knowing the person. What would have interested them prior, discussing this you may find that building a rapport with clients can initiate their contribution because they just want to join you.
Thank you for the article. A good information. May I ask, how about those who are still living in the community. How can we assist or advise caregivers regarding this wandering behaviors?
Hi Fazeeda, thank you for your feedback. Caregivers at home should find a support group to exchange advice. If wandering is severe they may have to install locks on doors and windows or purchase motion detection that can alert them when someone opens a door or window. Alternatively, they can hang bells on doorknobs. Also, they must make sure their loved ones have an ID with them all the time; there are ID bracelet, or pendant with a radio transmitter so they can track the person's location. Getting physical activities during the day helps them sleep well at night (though it does not fit everybody). Consider if there is a reason the loved one is absconding.
Very helpful thank you
Good information.
Thankyou for this helpful information