Worried about Wandering?

What you can do to reduce the risk.

Most people with dementia eventually wander. It’s not a matter of if, but when.

Prevention Tips

1. Pay attention to the times of day that the person you cared for seems more restless, agitated or confused.
2. Offer an activity that can redirect their attention. Coloring, a simple puzzle, old time TV programs are some suggestions
3. Provide socialization; have a friend visit, or go out for a ride. Have and ice cream or a cold drink on the way.
4. Make sure that basic needs are meet. Is the person hungry? Are they looking for a bathroom? Or just confused?
5. Offer a calm environment, buy turning down loud TV’s or music.
6. Put a dark rug by the exit door. To many with dementia it looks like a black hole, and they may avoid stepping on it.
7. Place a slide lock above their vision so they cannot open the door.
8. Install electronic chimes or door bells on door.
9. Have a wander guard bracelet on and activated. *See Project Lifesaver below.

What to do when someone wanders:

1. Call 911 and report a Silver Alert.
2. Note that when someone walks out of their house, they are likely to wander in the direction of their dominant hand, or to a familiar place like the grocery store.
3. Have a current photo and medical information on hand.*Lifeline cards available at your local firestation.
4. Know their phone number and carrier (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint…) on the chance you can track them by GPS.

If living on Martha’s Vineyard, please take advantage of Project Lifesaver, a free service through the Dukes County Sheriff’s Office.

Project Lifesaver is a program through the Dukes County Sheriff’s Office that is designed to protect, and when necessary, quickly locate individuals with cognitive disorders who are prone to the life threatening behavior of wandering. Our Project Lifesaver trained emergency team members are certified through training, using the radio technology provided in order to conduct search and rescue missions when needed.

For this service, please contact Major Sterling Bisshop at (508)338-7591 – .