Wandering and Going Missing

Supporting a loved one with dementia can be incredibly stressful, as those living with the condition exhibit a wide range of symptoms, including a frequent urge to wander, which can leave them lost and at risk.  Elderly spouses, family members, and caregivers often face constantly shifting patterns of behaviour, with both good and bad days. This unpredictability, combined with common challenges of aging, such as poor health and financial issues, can be overwhelming.

A significant concern is that many individuals with dementia (6 out of 10) will wander from home and go missing.  They may experience restlessness and a desire to leave, sometimes not recognizing their home.  When they do wander, they might walk around the neighbourhood, ask for directions, get on public transport, talk to strangers, and generally appear confused and anxious. This can happen at any time, day or night.

Theories for this behaviour include habit, boredom, pain, memory loss, confusion, anxiety, and searching for someone. A study by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information suggests that navigational difficulties may precede a cognitive impairment diagnosis, as dementia affects the hippocampus, which is responsible for forming new memories about time and location.

For caregivers, the situation can be very distressing.  When a person with dementia wanders, they are at high risk of getting lost, injured, missing medication, or falling victim to harsh weather or unscrupulous individuals.  Family members and caregivers often face frantic searches and constant worry about the person’s safety.  

The goal in caring for someone with dementia is to help them remain independent and maintain their quality of life and dignity. However, if wandering becomes a safety concern, it may necessitate re-evaluating whether it is safe to continue the current care arrangements or if alternative solutions are needed to keep the person in their home.  Unfortunately, in extreme cases, home care might no longer be viable.

The Alzheimer’s Society provides practical advice and technological solutions to address wandering. Any changes in care must be the least restrictive and in the best interest of the client.  If the client cannot make decisions about their safety, decisions must involve family and other caregivers, adhering to the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

Ideally vulnerable adults will be supported and cared-for so as to allow them to remain safe and independent, in their homes, for as long as possible.  At Right at Home Mitcham Streatham and Dulwich we are always mindful to act in our client's best interests, adopting a positive outlook on ageing and dementia. However, we all have to be realistic and recognize harsh reality, that there is sadly no cure for ageing and dementia.

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