The Dangers of Wandering

On April 25, the breaking news included an item about a Woodville, MS man, age 73, with Alzheimer’s who was missing. He was last seen driving his gray pick-up truck. Sadly, this gentleman may be hopelessly lost by the side of the road, may not have eaten and has become dehydrated, run out of gas and is wandering the streets or woods wherever he stopped. Wandering is a classic characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease and one we all need to be aware of to protect our loved ones with the disease.  

There are many strategies to assist caregivers with preventing wandering and the agony of not knowing where your loved one is. I can only imagine the fear of an Alzheimer’s affected individual who is lost and recognizes nothing around him or her. Often they don’t recognize their own belongings, clothes, and sometimes their own faces in everyday situations therefore the strange situation can be much worse.  

Six in ten Alzheimer’s affected individuals will wander in the course of their disease. Caregivers need to be proactive in preventing wandering. There are new electronic devices that can track individuals by GPS and the traditional Medic Alert Safe Return Identification program. The latest technology includes a GPS chip in shoes. Monitoring for some of the GPS devices can have monthly fees but also give caregivers peace of mind. Wristband transmitter can be used for tracking through Project Lifesaver. Regardless of what method caregivers use, preventing wandering is a necessary strategy to ensuring loved ones stay safe.  

For more information on wandering or free enrollment in the Medic Alert Safe Return program please check out our website at www.Brhope.com