Caregivers have a lot on their plate, and it can be very challenging balancing caregiving responsibilities while taking care of their own lives and families. Some people with Alzheimer’s Disease may exhibit wandering behaviors and that adds even more challenges to keeping loved ones safe and healthy. Some may attempt to leave their safe environments without supervision or may get lost while out in the community unattended.

At our center, we have a Wanderguard program for memory impaired seniors to help prevent wandering. The Alzheimer’s Association has a Safe Return Program (www.alz.org/safereturn) that provides identification bracelets linked to caregiver contact information in case someone gets lost in the community.

Below are a few tips to prevent wandering from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (www.alzfdn.org):

• Keep a current photograph of your loved one readily available.
• Tell your neighbors about the condition and give them your phone number.
• Track wandering patterns – time of day and frequency.
• Add electronic alarms at all doors so caregiver is alerted if person attempts to leave.
• Do not leave person unsupervised.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or the New York State Adult Day Services Association (www.nysadultday.com).