Preventive Measures for Alzheimer’s Wandering

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Precautions to Take before Alzheimer's Wandering Begins in Edmonton, AB

As a caregiver for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s, wandering is likely one of your top concerns. As the disease progresses, memory loss and confusion can lead some seniors with Alzheimer’s to leave their homes. Even those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s may find themselves disoriented and unable to remember important details, such as their names, that could help them find their way back home. Since no one can predict when a person may choose to wander, here are a few precautions to take before an event occurs so your loved one will stay safe. 

Stick to a Daily Routine

Seniors with Alzheimer’s thrive on routine. Therefore, make sure to serve meals at the same time each day and include a regular bedtime your loved one can rely upon to make sense of the day. This will also ensure wandering doesn’t occur due to an unmet need.

Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care service. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.

Keep Car Keys Out of Sight

When wandering occurs on foot, there’s more time for a search team to find a senior with Alzheimer’s. However, disoriented drivers can be dangerous not only to themselves but also to the public. When visiting your loved one, keep your car keys in your possession. If your loved one lives in your home, make sure to store keys where they won’t be accessible.

Prevent Night Wandering

Sometimes, seniors with Alzheimer’s wake up in the middle of the night to use the restroom and wander right out the front door. To prevent this from occurring, restrict fluids during the two hours before bedtime. You may also install nightlights to guide your loved one to the restroom, and camouflage exterior doorknobs by painting them the same colour as the surrounding walls. As always, install locks on exterior doors to further protect against wandering.

The days, weeks, and months following an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be challenging for both seniors and their families. However, these challenges can be made less stressful with the help of caregivers trained in professional Alzheimer’s care. Edmonton Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one enjoy the golden years while simultaneously managing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

Use a Tracking Device

Today, technology can provide caregivers with peace of mind should their loved ones wander. A GPS device can be placed in a person’s shoe or worn on the body so the individual’s location can instantly be pinpointed. While this can provide lifesaving information in an emergency, it can also allow you to check on your loved one anytime you need reassurance that he or she is safe.

Seniors with Alzheimer’s face a variety of challenges to their overall health and safety. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of Edmonton elderly home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more. We will work with you to create a customized home care plan that’s suited for your loved one’s unique needs. Call the Home Care Assistance team at (780) 490-7337 today.

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