Whether your loved one with dementia lives at home or at a facility for assisted living in San Diego, wandering can be a scary problem. There are many reasons why people with dementia wander away, and there are also several ways to help reduce the likelihood of this frightening problem.
People with dementia wander for a few reasons. They become easily confused about their surroundings, not quite understanding why they are where they are. This can occur both at a home they have resided in for many years as well as in a home for assisted living in San Diego, as familiarity with a specific place doesn't seem to reduce the confusion in many cases. In addition, people with dementia also often experience a great deal of restlessness which also leads them to wander.
It can be very tough for caregivers to be able to watch a person around the clock, but there are a few ways to improve safety for your loved one if he or she lives at home rather than in assisted living in Oceanside. For instance, you can make sure that they have a wallet with identification. Of course, this could be left behind, so wearing a medical alert bracelet could help increase safety. Another option is to sew a patch inside a favorite jacket or sweater that provides information for anyone who might find your loved one wandering.
Nighttime can be a particularly difficult and confusing time of day for people with any type of dementia. Often a person will have trouble sleeping and be up pacing the floor or become agitated as the sun goes down, and this increases the likelihood of wandering. Creating a busy, but stress-free schedule for your loved one can help. This will include planned mealtimes and an early dinner hour, as well as some type of exercise as well as a few engaging activities. These activities don't have to be difficult. It could include working on a puzzle, sweeping the back porch, folding laundry, setting the table and helping wash dishes. Exercise might be a short walk with the family dog or perhaps a swim class or some light dancing, it all depends on their physical abilities. At the end of a full day with plenty of activities, it can be easy for someone to fall into a solid, deep sleep.
Because wandering can be dangerous and very difficult for a family member such as child or spouse to control, more serious steps might need to be taken. Child locks can be placed on exterior doors and on windows to prevent a person from being able to leave easily. Placing bells on the doors can alert people that a door has been opened rather than having to keep an eye on someone constantly. Ask neighbors to be on the lookout in case your family member is seen wandering. They can simply call or text and let you know when it happens. Of course, moving into assisted living in San Diego also might be a good way to keep your loved one as safe as possible and give you some peace of mind.
Typically, a person with dementia will be safer at a facility for assisted living in San Diego or assisted living in La Mesa or Oceanside. This is because there is staff on hand 24 hours a day, and the staff should be trained to handle the needs of memory care residents. It is important when selecting a facility to choose eldercare designed specifically for memory care as this is the safest option, and the apartments and activities are designed to make life as manageable, stress-free and engaging as possible for people with Alzheimer's or any other type of dementia.
People with dementia wander for a few reasons. They become easily confused about their surroundings, not quite understanding why they are where they are. This can occur both at a home they have resided in for many years as well as in a home for assisted living in San Diego, as familiarity with a specific place doesn't seem to reduce the confusion in many cases. In addition, people with dementia also often experience a great deal of restlessness which also leads them to wander.
It can be very tough for caregivers to be able to watch a person around the clock, but there are a few ways to improve safety for your loved one if he or she lives at home rather than in assisted living in Oceanside. For instance, you can make sure that they have a wallet with identification. Of course, this could be left behind, so wearing a medical alert bracelet could help increase safety. Another option is to sew a patch inside a favorite jacket or sweater that provides information for anyone who might find your loved one wandering.
Nighttime can be a particularly difficult and confusing time of day for people with any type of dementia. Often a person will have trouble sleeping and be up pacing the floor or become agitated as the sun goes down, and this increases the likelihood of wandering. Creating a busy, but stress-free schedule for your loved one can help. This will include planned mealtimes and an early dinner hour, as well as some type of exercise as well as a few engaging activities. These activities don't have to be difficult. It could include working on a puzzle, sweeping the back porch, folding laundry, setting the table and helping wash dishes. Exercise might be a short walk with the family dog or perhaps a swim class or some light dancing, it all depends on their physical abilities. At the end of a full day with plenty of activities, it can be easy for someone to fall into a solid, deep sleep.
Because wandering can be dangerous and very difficult for a family member such as child or spouse to control, more serious steps might need to be taken. Child locks can be placed on exterior doors and on windows to prevent a person from being able to leave easily. Placing bells on the doors can alert people that a door has been opened rather than having to keep an eye on someone constantly. Ask neighbors to be on the lookout in case your family member is seen wandering. They can simply call or text and let you know when it happens. Of course, moving into assisted living in San Diego also might be a good way to keep your loved one as safe as possible and give you some peace of mind.
Typically, a person with dementia will be safer at a facility for assisted living in San Diego or assisted living in La Mesa or Oceanside. This is because there is staff on hand 24 hours a day, and the staff should be trained to handle the needs of memory care residents. It is important when selecting a facility to choose eldercare designed specifically for memory care as this is the safest option, and the apartments and activities are designed to make life as manageable, stress-free and engaging as possible for people with Alzheimer's or any other type of dementia.
About the Author:
Rue Nichols enjoys reading home health care blogs. For more information regarding assisted living facilities in San Diego or for expert help searching board and care Aliso Viejo homes for your loved ones, please visit the CarePlacement.com site today.