Mom Keeps Wandering. What Should I Do?

Understanding Wandering in Dementia and Simple Ways to Keep Your Loved One Safe

One of the most common concerns we hear from family caregivers is:

"Mom keeps trying to leave the house. What should I do?"

Wandering is a common behavior for people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. While it can be frightening for families, it's important to remember that your loved one is usually not trying to "run away." Often, they are searching for something familiar, following an old routine, feeling restless, or simply confused about where they are.

The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to improve safety while helping your loved one maintain dignity and independence.

Why Do People with Dementia Wander?

A person living with dementia may wander because they:

• Believe they need to go to work

• Think they need to pick up children from school

• Are looking for a spouse or family member

• Feel bored or restless

• Are searching for a bathroom or another room

• Have too much energy and need movement

• Are confused about time, place, or routine

Understanding the reason behind the wandering can help you find solutions that address the underlying need.

Install Door and Camera Alerts

Technology can provide peace of mind for caregivers.

Consider installing:

• Ring doorbells

• Blink cameras

• Door alarms

• Motion sensors

These devices can notify you when a door opens or when movement is detected, allowing you to respond quickly if your loved one attempts to leave the home.

Many caregivers find comfort in being able to check their cameras from their phone while working, sleeping, or completing household tasks.

Use Child Safety Locks and Door Safety Devices

Simple childproofing measures can help reduce the risk of wandering.

Options include:

• Child safety locks

• Door knob covers

• Door chimes

• Sliding bolt locks placed higher on doors

• Visual barriers on doors

Always consider fire safety when installing any locking device and ensure caregivers can easily access exits in an emergency.

Consider Chair or Bed Exit Alarms

Many families find chair or bed alarms helpful.

These pressure-sensitive pads notify caregivers when a loved one stands up from a chair or gets out of bed.

For individuals who are at risk of wandering during the night, these alarms can provide an extra layer of awareness and allow caregivers to respond before a loved one leaves the room or home.

Keep Their Hands and Minds Busy

Many people wander simply because they are bored or looking for purpose.

Providing meaningful activities throughout the day can significantly reduce restlessness.

Simple activities include:

Matching Socks

A basket of clean socks can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment.

Many individuals enjoy sorting and matching socks, folding washcloths, or organizing household items.

Folding Laundry

Folding towels and washcloths is familiar, repetitive, and calming for many people living with dementia.

Coloring Books

Adult coloring books or simple coloring pages can help improve focus and reduce anxiety.

Sorting Activities

Try sorting:

• Buttons

• Playing cards

• Coins

• Craft supplies

• Photos

The goal is not perfection but engagement.

Redirect Instead of Arguing

If your loved one says:

"I need to go home."

Avoid arguing or trying to convince them they are already home.

Instead, redirect the conversation.

Try saying:

• "Tell me about your home."

• "Let's have a snack first."

• "Can you help me fold these towels?"

• "Let's take a walk together."

Redirection often works better than correction because it reduces anxiety and frustration.

Consider GPS Tracking Devices

Despite our best efforts, wandering can still happen.

Many caregivers choose to use tracking devices for added peace of mind.

Apple AirTag

AirTags are affordable and easy to use.

You can place them in:

• Shoes

• Jacket pockets

• Wristbands

• Wallets

• Handbags

AirTag Jewelry

Amazon offers attractive necklaces, bracelets, and keychain holders designed specifically for AirTags.

These options allow your loved one to carry a tracker without feeling like they are wearing a medical device.

Many families prefer decorative necklaces because they look like regular jewelry while providing an important safety feature.

Establish a Daily Routine

A predictable routine can reduce confusion and anxiety.

Try to keep:

• Wake-up times consistent

• Meals at the same time each day

• Regular activity periods

• Scheduled exercise

• Consistent bedtime routines

Structure often helps reduce the urge to wander.

Adult Day Programs Can Help

One of the most effective ways to reduce wandering behaviors is to provide meaningful social engagement throughout the day.

Adult day centers offer:

• Structured activities

• Exercise programs

• Social interaction

• Music and art programs

• Cognitive stimulation

• Supervision and support

Many caregivers tell us their loved one returns home happier, more engaged, and less restless after spending the day participating in activities with peers.

At Still Waters Adult Day Center, we often see that individuals who spend their day socially engaged are less likely to experience boredom-related wandering and agitation at home.

When to Seek Additional Help

Talk with your physician if wandering:

• Is increasing in frequency

• Occurs during the night

• Creates safety concerns

• Leads to falls

• Results in your loved one becoming lost

Your healthcare provider can help determine whether medical issues, medication changes, anxiety, pain, or other factors may be contributing to the behavior.

Final Thoughts

Wandering can be one of the most stressful challenges for families caring for someone with dementia. However, with a combination of safety measures, meaningful activities, redirection techniques, technology, and social engagement, many families can successfully reduce wandering and improve quality of life.

Remember, wandering is often a form of communication. Your loved one may be expressing boredom, anxiety, confusion, or a need for purpose. By looking beyond the behavior and addressing the underlying need, you can help keep them safe while preserving their dignity.