Among people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, wandering is
one of the most common and dangerous behaviours. Six in every 10 dementia patient wander at
some point, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, either while walking or
while driving a car. In the UK, police
can issue a public Alert when a senior with dementia is reported missing.
One city in Japan, meanwhile, is taking an approach designed to prevent
the need for Silver-Alert style news bulletins and searches. The Tokyo exurb of
Matsudo trains volunteers to spot red flags for wandering, talk to suspected
wanderers in a calming way, and summon help to return them safely home. As NPR
reported, the so-called Orange Patrol was created in response to rising numbers
of Japanese Seniors with Dementia Wandering, sometimes to be found only after days
of searching, found dead, or never found at all.
New approaches to helping people with
dementia
Pharmacists, postal workers, crossing guards, and other Matsudo
residents have learned through Orange Patrol training for look for seniors who
are not dressed appropriately for the weather, don’t remember picking up
medications, and other clues. Japan has adopted the program nationwide and aims
to have 8 million people trained to spot and help dementia patients within the
coming year.
In the UK, the Alzheimer’s Society offers training, support, and
community development recommendations to help keep people with dementia safe. The
program, which outlines goals and best practices for housing, banking and
financial planning, spiritual life, transportation, emergency response and law
enforcement, healthcare, and business.
How you can keep loved ones with dementia
from wandering
If you’re caring for someone with dementia at home, it’s important to
have help for the times when you can’t supervise directly. An in-home care
agency or independent provider can provide companionship and supervision while
you sleep, cook meals, run errands, or simply take a few hours for yourself.
It’s also a good idea to install chimes on doors and windows to alert you when
they’re opened. If your home has an alarm system, you may be able to use it to
set up chime alerts. Your loved one should wear a mobile personal emergency
response device and wear a medical ID bracelet or pendant, too.
Caring for a person with advanced dementia at home can be an
overwhelming challenge that presents real safety hazards for both the patient
and caregivers, such as falls, fires, and other accidents. If your loved one
needs more direct supervision or a safer environment, a specialised
Alzheimer’s Care Community may be the best option for everyone. These
residential facilities are often affiliated with local hospitals or assisted
living communities to share resources while offering a secure space and
specially trained staff members to care for dementia patients, help them
maintain social skills, and manage their nutrition and medications.
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