Wandering can be common in a person with dementia, and it can be a real worry for carers, especially if it’s a regular occurrence. But at what stage of dementia do people wander?
Wandering often begins in the middle stage of dementia, when memory loss and confusion become more pronounced, but the person is still physically active. That said, some people show signs of restlessness earlier on, while others may continue wandering into the later stages. Everyone’s journey is different, but being aware of it and knowing what to do can help you feel more prepared.
Christina Collison, the Founder of Dementia Help UK has some advice on how to deal with it below.
Wandering in Everyday Life
Over 60% of people with dementia will wander according to Alzheimer’s Association, reasons for wandering can vary from being bored or restless, wanting to go home (even if the person is already at home), or looking for past friends and family.
For you as a carer, it can be a real worry, especially if the person goes out and gets lost. I experienced it once with my mum, and things could have been much worse. Mum went out wandering at 10pm during the winter, not wearing a coat and holding a teacup. One of her neighbours found her and returned her to her home. At that point I realised it wasn’t safe for mum to live on her own anymore.
I also witnessed it first-hand in her care home. Every evening at about 6pm, one of the other residents, who also had dementia, would stride purposefully over to the lift in the home and say that she was going to the bus stop to meet her husband. Her husband had sadly passed away, and she was thinking of a past event. In her mind, it meant something, and she had to be somewhere.
Ensuring Their Safety
Of course, it can occur at night as well and doesn’t necessarily mean the person will be wandering around outside. They may be up and about in the early hours.
Dementia expert and author Mary Jordan, who wrote the book The Essential Carer’s Guide To Dementia, recommends ensuring their safety by locking away anything harmful. “Switch off kettles and ovens, lock windows and doors, and check there is nothing on the floor that they can trip over,” she says.
Mary also recommends trying to find out what is causing the wandering, as you may be able to do something about it. See if it happens at similar times each day (or night) and try to identify triggers, such as the person wandering at night after a particularly sedentary day.
Why Do People With Dementia Wander?
When a person with dementia wanders, it’s often referred to as ‘wandering with purpose’. There’s usually a reason behind it – even if it’s not always clear to us. Sometimes it can be caused by a need not being met, or simply confusion about time, place or routine.
Some common reasons why wandering happens:
- They may feel bored or restless and need stimulation.
- They might believe they need to be somewhere or meet someone, even if that person has passed away.
- They could set off with a goal in mind but forget what it was along the way.
- They may be confused about the time in their life – for example, thinking they need to go to work, even if they’re retired.
- They might confuse day and night, such as waking up early in the morning and believing it’s evening.
- Difficulty sleeping can lead to night-time wandering, especially if they feel anxious or unsettled.
- Physical discomfort or pain may cause them to walk around, trying to escape how they feel.
- Environmental stressors like a room being too hot, cold, noisy, or quiet might prompt wandering.
- Overwhelm or emotional distress may lead them to leave an area in an attempt to feel better.
- Lack of physical activity or mental stimulation during the day may contribute to restlessness.
- Pain or discomfort that the person is unable to explain to you.
How to Stop Dementia Patients from Wandering at Night
Night-time can be particularly tricky – when the house is quiet and routines are disrupted, confusion can increase.
Here are a few ways to reduce night-time wandering:
- If they do wake and wander, gently guide them back to bed without fuss or confrontation.
- Cut back on drinks two hours before bed to reduce toilet trips.
- Try to keep the person active during the day with safe activities like walking, gardening or household tasks.
- Encourage a calming evening routine to promote better sleep.
- Consider adding door alarms, motion sensors or bed pressure mats to alert you gently if the person is moving around.
- Keep the environment safe and familiar. Soft lighting and a consistent bedroom setup can help reduce disorientation.
What to Do If Wandering Continues
Provide as much stimulation as you can so that they are less likely to be restless. Encourage the person to walk to the shops, take out rubbish or mow the lawn if it’s safe for them to do so. Anything that creates stimulation will be good for them.
“Some people with dementia continue to enjoy gardening, particularly if this was a favourite hobby,” says Mary Jordan. “Simple routine jobs, such as sweeping up leaves or mowing the lawn can often be continued, but the person may lose their ability to distinguish between weeds and seedlings, or to tackle more complex jobs, such as pruning or planting out. This doesn’t mean they won’t enjoy their time in the garden.”
If wandering becomes more frequent, speak to their care team or family about further safety options.
And remember – even if they no longer drive, it’s best to keep car keys out of sight.
Mary Jordan is the founder of Adapt Dementia, a private service that provides support, information and training for anyone wanting to know more about dementia. Visit adaptdementia.com
This article originally appeared in Dementia Help magazine, a free digital publication for those looking after a person with dementia. Visit dementiahelpuk.com/magazine to learn more.
