How Long Does Wandering Behavior Last in People With Dementia

Wandering behavior can occur in anyone, but is particularly common in people with dementia. It can be distressing to the person with dementia and to their caregivers, but it can also lead to a number of negative outcomes such as exposure to hazards, injury and death.

Dementia can lead to wandering because of a number of reasons including:

Changes in the environment, such as moving or going to an unfamiliar place; unexpected changes in routine (e.g., changes in diet, a trip to the doctor, a change of medications); disaster scenarios; or a sudden increase in anxiety and/or confusion.

A common example of this is when someone with dementia becomes agitated or anxious, especially when they think their home is not safe.

When this happens, it may be helpful to create a safety plan to help keep the individual safe at home and reduce their risk of wandering away from the area. This includes reducing stressors by adjusting daily schedules, keeping the bedroom in a familiar location and creating a plan to meet all of their needs (e.g., food, medicine and a bath).

For the person with dementia, it is important to establish a routine so that they know what to expect each day. If the person is having a hard time identifying their rooms or getting to the bathroom, try to create visual cues in each room so they can see where they are and how to get to the toilet. Medical Alarms