People living with memory loss or dementia can sometimes become confused about where they are going and get lost. This is often because they are looking for someone or something, trying to return to a familiar place, or responding to an unmet need such as hunger, loneliness, or fear. AARP notes that about 6 in 10 people with dementia may get lost at some point, making preparation especially important for families and caregivers.
Here are eight simple safety strategies:
- Install alarms and alerts, such as door alarms or motion sensors.
- Make your home’s entries and exits more secure while maintaining emergency access.
- Make sure the person with dementia can be identified by getting them an ID bracelet or pendant.
- Consider GPS or other tracking devices to help reduce risk.
- Pay attention to safety hazards around the house, such as keeping yard gates closed.
- Continually assess whether driving is safe.
- Flag and limit easy access, when appropriate, to “alternative vehicles” like golf carts or bikes.
- Let neighbors and your community know about your loved one’s diagnosis. They may quickly alert you if they see them wandering.
If someone does go missing, caregivers should call 911 right away and quickly check nearby areas and familiar places the person may be trying to reach.
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