Wander Alarms Prevent Elderly Wandering

Wandering in dementia is terrifying for patients and caregivers. It can cause them to become disoriented and lost, or even run into traffic.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent wandering in Alzheimer’s patients with help from home security systems. The Alzheimer’s Store offers several types of home monitoring products that deter wandering, such as door alarms for Alzheimer’s patients.

Dementia Awareness

People with dementia are more likely to wander, especially as the disease progresses. Wandering can be frightening for caregivers and even more terrifying for the patient, who may have no idea where they are. Dementia wandering alarms help prevent this, providing a sense of safety for those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, as well as their family members.

Keeping patients engaged with activities that stimulate their brains can reduce the risk of wandering. In addition, ensuring their basic needs are met (food, water, bathroom access) will lessen the likelihood of them getting lost. Some patients who experience wandering behavior may have a tendency to leave in the early evening, known as sundowning. This is an extremely dangerous time for them and requires special care.

Adding dementia door alarms to their home or facility can provide extra safety measures, and some can be more discreet than a wristband-type device. Some alarms also feature the ability to remove noise, which can be important for dementia patients who are sensitive to sensory perceptions. These alarms can be placed at the doorway, in the bathroom, and even on the floor, depending on the person’s needs and preferences. Some are triggered by motion sensors, which can alert caregivers when someone leaves their room or enters an area that could be dangerous, such as the yard.

Safety Measures

Six in 10 people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias will wander at least once, and often do so repeatedly. It’s a common yet dangerous symptom of their condition, and while it can’t be entirely prevented, there are steps that can be taken to minimize the risk. The first step is to install a home security system that includes door alarms for Alzheimer’s patients. These alert you when your loved one tries to exit or enters the property and can be expanded with additional sensors as their needs change.

Choose a dementia door alarm that is both discreet and effective. The ideal anti-wandering alarm for a patient will not trigger their anxiety and can be easily disarmed by them or others in the house. emergency button for seniors It will also send the proper signal to a caregiver so that they can intervene and prevent the patient from leaving a building. If a loved one is in a chair most of the day and may be prone to getting up unassisted, consider an alarm that clips onto their clothing and attaches to the chair.

Take precautions to keep your loved one from wandering by removing items that could tempt them to leave, such as coats, purses and keys. Clearly label indoor and outdoor areas and create a list of places your loved ones should avoid, such as bodies of water, open stairwells, tunnels or busy roads. Also, ask neighbors and friends to watch out for your family member and call police if they see them acting suspiciously or dressed inappropriately.

Detection Devices

The best way to help a dementia patient avoid elopement is by installing detectors that can alert caregivers when they try to exit a certain room of the home. These devices can work alone or as part of a complete home security system.

For example, a door monitor alarm can be mounted by any exit or doorway in the home and activated when a resident wearing a wristband attempts to open it. Some models also include a digital panel that can be used to control the security system and manage dozens of other connected devices, like motion sensors or yard signs.

Another type of detection device is a mat or pad that can be placed next to a chair, bed, or other seating. When someone sitting on the mat moves away, the sensor will trigger an alarm and send a signal to a caretaker that the person has risen from their chair or bed without a warning.

Some of these mats feature prerecorded messages to prompt the individual not to get out of bed or rise from their chair, while others can translate these messages into a patient's native language. Some even include a pull string that can activate the mat's alarm for more serious situations. A more advanced option is a wearable device that attaches to a person's clothing and can track the patient's location, including an exact direction and distance from their current position, in real time.





Monitoring Devices

Those with dementia have an increased risk of wandering, which can be dangerous. A remote monitoring system allows caregivers to check up on their elderly loved ones without being there. It can also help them keep track of where their family member is at all times, which is crucial to preventing wandering.

The first step in a monitoring system for elderly adults involves installing door sensors to prevent them from leaving the house. These are often connected to an alarm that will notify the caregiver if the patient leaves or enters a room that is dangerous to their health, such as a kitchen or garage.

Anti-wandering mats and bed alarms are also options for aging in place safety. These devices will detect a change in pressure when someone gets up from the bed or chair, and will send a signal to the caregiver. These are quiet systems, making them appropriate for those who can be startled by loud noises.

For those who are prone to wandering, consider enrolling your loved one in Project Lifesaver, which is a nationwide search and rescue program for people with dementia. It will cost between $40 and $60 a month, and your loved one will be given a wrist bracelet that can be tagged with their address to alert local authorities if they go missing.