my father's been living with me for two
years he started wandering in the house
trying to go out the front door saying
he wants to go home oh why is that
happening and I don't know what to do to
stop it
stop dad
you can't go out I'm gonna go home this
is your home
no I'm going to my house this is your
home stop wandering can occur as
dementia progresses it can be triggered
by someone relieving an old memory not
recognizing where they are or by a
feeling of distress people with dementia
have less ability to communicate or
explain where they're going or why they
want to go somewhere wandering can be
triggered by seeing things that signal
leaving such as the front door
purses keys or coats if someone is
wandering approach them in the calm and
reassuring manner ask them where they're
going or what they need and then
distract them with a new activity
you
dad where are you going I want to go
home you are home no I want to go home
the kids need me this is your home
see here's a family picture there's me
and there's Tom where are the kids I'm
right here dad
I'm your daughter Jane and Tom your son
he just lives five minutes away
that's all give him a call on the phone
and say hello that sounds nice honey
okay come on wandering can still happen
even if you're the most diligent of
caregivers use the following tips to
help lower the chances of wandering use
a calm tone of voice and ask your loved
one where he's going or who he's looking
for
reassure him that he's home point out
familiar things around him and then
immediately distract him with a pleasant
activity to allow him to forget his urge
to wander disguise the door by painting
it the same color as the wall or
covering it with a large poster or
picture murals for doors can be
purchased on the Internet cover the
doorknob with a drape try placing a
black doormat in front of the door some
patients will avoid crossing the mat put
signs on doors to discourage leaving
such as stop signs do not enter or keep
out make sure your loved one is getting
enough exercise the urge to wander could
be a result of unspent energy ask if he
has any needs he might be wandering
because he fields physical discomfort or
stress be specific ask if he would like
a sandwich or some coffee or if he needs
to use the bathroom
do not leave coats hats or keys in plain
sight or by the front door as they can
trigger the urge to leave