Memory Care Tips: 3 Ways to Prevent Wandering and Elopement

A senior with memory issues faces many dangers — from mismanagement of medication to an increased risk of fire in the home. One of the greatest risks seniors with dementia face is wandering; a senior loved one who has wandered from home is in an emergency situation. Simple steps can be taken to reduce the risk of wandering from the home or from a public place; here’s what to think about to protect your senior from elopement and wandering.

3 Ways to Prevent Wandering in Seniors with Dementia

Door alarms: You’ll find them in the baby proofing section, but an alarm that sounds when an exterior door is open could alert you or a caregiver that your loved one is leaving the home. Most are simple to install in minutes with adhesive and run on battery power, so you can increase your senior’s safety in under an hour for the typical home.

Hide the keys: Your senior loved one may have stopped driving years ago, but he may not recall that. If your car keys are within easy reach, your loved one has the opportunity to elope. A “silver alert” can be issued for a missing senior, but placing the keys out of site or in a secure location could prevent the wandering in the first place.

Get specialty care: Elopement or wandering in seniors is an emergency and should be seen as a red flag that your loved one needs additional help. If you have not already begun talking about a memory care or assisted living community, now is the time. A comfortable, home-like environment coupled with full time supervision eliminates risk and provides you with peace of mind about your parent’s safety.

If you are concerned about wandering or have even started to experience this problem with your loved one, we can help. Get in touch today to learn how our comfortable and inviting setting can help keep your loved one happy and safe — and give you peace of mind, too.