How To Prevent Someone with a Cognitive Disability from Wandering
It can be difficult to care for a loved one with a cognitive disability if they wander.Should your loved one stray too far from home or be in the company of dangerous people, it can be dangerous.If you change their routine, secure their home, and alter their accessories, you can prevent your loved one from wandering.
Step 1: Understand why your loved one wanders off.
It's important to understand why the person wanders, but talking to them may or may not be effective.A senior with memory loss might benefit from a conversation, while an 8-year-old with anautism might not.Depending on the type of disability and each situation, they might wander for different reasons, such as: boredom Not realizing where they are Running from an upsetting or overwhelming situation Wanting to explore something interesting
Step 2: If desired, keep a log.
If you don't know what makes someone wander, record it in a journal.Write about the situation.You might be able to better understand how to prevent future wandering.Dad turned on the blender.Susie put her hands over her ears.Her dad was rolling his eyes.The way to her bedroom was blocked by her sister.Susie went out the back door.I talked to my friends at the zoo.He wanted to see the monkeys.I said it later.I realized he wasn't there anymore.I found him looking at the monkeys.
Step 3: If your loved one flees when upset, set up a calm place.
If your loved one wants to be alone, they may stop running out the door if they have a calm place in their bedroom or other room.In this place, place some of their favorite items, such as calming pictures, stuffed toys, and soft blankets.They can be alone when they go there.Even if it's just to talk, make sure nobody approaches them.If the person can't be alone, they might run out the door and look for someone else.
Step 4: Tell the children that running off scares them.
Children with disabilities may wander off without being aware that it is frightening to adults.You can use "I" to explain how you feel when they run off.They might be able to remember this in the future.If your child is young, non-speaking, or not inclined to look at you, take time to explain it to them.If they seem inattentive to outsiders, they may be paying close attention to their body language.When I don't know where you are, I feel scared.
Step 5: Talk about your communication skills.
If your loved one does not struggle with memory loss, you may be able to teach them how to communicate their desires.Encourage them to say something like "I want to check out that thing over there" before walking away.You can talk to them about their desire to leave, and work things out, like saying "we can go in 5 minutes" or "I'll come with you to look at that".
Step 6: New locks need to be installed.
You can deter your loved one from wandering by installing new locks.If your loved one can't open the locks easily, choose locks that are higher up and more out of reach.The door guardian is a lock that is easy to use for those who have read the instructions, but difficult for others who don't.Bars should be put on the windows in extreme cases of wandering.
Step 7: Motion detectors should be installed near all exits.
Motion detectors can be installed near all exits if you live in the home with a loved one.If you are busy in another room or sleeping, this will alert you that they are trying to leave.Bells can be hung on the doorknobs.There are windchimes near the windows.
Step 8: Attach a fence.
A fence is a great way to keep your loved one out of the streets.Put up a fence around the perimeter of the house to make it harder for someone to break in.
Step 9: There are doors and doorknobs that are camouflaged.
You can cover your doors with curtains or paint them the same color as the walls.Cloth can be used to cover the doorknobs.
Step 10: There are signs to put up.
If you want to keep your loved one in the home, you can put up signs at the exits that say "stop" or "do not enter."The signs should grab attention.They can be printed on brightly colored paper.
Step 11: Know your friends.
If your loved one wanders while you are away or at work, your neighbors can be your second line of defense.If your loved one wanders, talk to your neighbors and ask them to keep an eye on him.To distract the loved one, you could ask them.It is possible to increase the perimeter of supervision by speaking to your neighbors on your loved one's street and on the next street.
Step 12: A care team can be used to provide supervision.
Provide constant supervision for your loved one if they wander a lot and you feel that they could be a danger to themselves.You can take shifts with your siblings, spouse, or other people who want to help.It's a good idea to hire someone to sit with your loved one while you're at work.There are state services that can provide in- home care for people with a limited income.
Step 13: Make sure they have an identification on them.
You can have them wear medical ID jewelry if you don't want them to have a wallet.MedicAlert and Alzheimer's Safe Return sell this kind of jewelry.Their name, contact number, and any medical allergies they might have will be included in this jewelry.It is possible to put temporary tattoos on their arm every few days that include their name, address, and your contact info.
Step 14: It is possible to use a radio- tracking system.
Tracking devices are the fastest way to find your loved one if they wander.There are many things that you can place on your loved one that they will not notice.If you want to know where your loved one is at all times, you can track the device online.If you're eligible, you can enroll them in the Silver Alert Directory in your state.When certain people go missing, check the laws in your area.
Step 15: If necessary, take their keys.
It is time to take your loved one's keys if they get lost in a car or get into accidents.At this point, your loved one is a danger to themselves and others as well.Schedule time every week for them to get out of the house.The more active you are, the less likely they will wander.Maintaining their mental health is dependent on socializing.
Step 16: They should have a contact sheet with them.
Another option is to have your loved one carry a contact sheet in their wallet that will remind them of who they can call if they get lost, or to give to a police officer to help them get home.Your name, cell phone number, and home address can be written on the sheet.There is a message at the top of the sheet.Please call this number to get me home.
Step 17: They should not be taken to crowded places.
Don't take your loved one to places with large crowds.It will be a lot easier for your loved one to get lost.If you have to take them out when there is a crowd, keep your arms crossed and dress them in bright colored clothing.
Step 18: It's a good idea to exercise with them.
Physical activity helps your loved one stay busy and interested in their surroundings, both of which will deter wandering.It's a great way to help them maintain their health.If you can, take a walk with your loved one around the block or enroll them in a fitness class.
Step 19: A person who likes to explore can be supervised.
You can give your loved one a chance to investigate different places if they enjoy it.Take them to a park where they can choose the route and pace, or come with them while they wander.They can wander, without being in danger.
Step 20: Help them get a good night's sleep.
It is possible to reduce the wandering of your loved one by knowing the reasons.Sometimes, your loved one will wander because they are not getting a good night's sleep.Help them get a regular sleep routine.Encourage them to rise at the same time each day.Before bed, cut out electronics and TV use.They should take a bath or read before bed.The room should be free of lights and a clock at night.Decrease napping as much as possible.Coffee should be cut out after noon.
Step 21: Affirm that all basic needs are met.
Sometimes there is no reason for your loved one to wander because they are thirsty, hungry, or need something else.If this addresses the issue, leave water or crackers by the bed.If they need anything, check in with them.Look for ways to address other potential needs.Keep a book, TV remote, or any other item near them to keep them occupied.
Step 22: They should be involved in social interactions with others.
It is possible that your loved one is wandering because they are bored with their surroundings and are looking for something more stimulating.To address this, try to have more social interaction with them.They should invite their friends over.You can talk to them while watching TV.Help them bond with their siblings.They should be encouraged to eat with others rather than alone.
Step 23: They should be discouraged from wandering.
Don't encourage your loved one to leave a place before they are scheduled to do so, even if they say they're ready to go home.Don't say "you are home" to them as this could confuse them.We are staying here for now.I am here and I will make sure you are safe.
Step 24: Consider nursing home placement.
You may be able to provide a wander-free space for your loved one, but it's not enough.If you don't have the support to provide adequate supervision for your loved one, then consider a nursing home.Schedule a visit to your top picks when you research local homes.Discuss nursing home placement with a loved one.You might say that you want independence for both of you.Your safety is the most important thing to me, so I think it's time to consider nursing homes.