Wandering Support During Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month

When providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia you will often encounter new and surprising behaviors; one of the more troubling behaviors can be wandering. Individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s will often show signs of wandering even in the early stages of the disease. Because dementia can affect the parts of the brain that control visual comprehension, navigation, and orientation, individuals can wander and feel lost both outside and inside their own home. 
 
People with dementia may wander for several reasons:

• Feeling stressed or overwhelmed in new environments
• Searching for someone that they knew in the past or that they feel they need to be with
• Needing to attend basic needs, such as finding a restroom or something to eat
• Engaging in a former routine, such as going to a job or going to the store

• Install a keyed deadbolt above or below their eyesight (but be sure to never lock someone inside of the house alone).
• Place a door chime or a pressure sensitive floor mat near exterior doors that will alert you when a door is opened.
• Fence off your yard with a locked gate to provide a safe outdoor space for someone to wander.

• Identification: Make sure the person has an updated ID card with them, purchase a wearable tracker that can be worn or put inside an object they typically carry with them (like a purse), or make sure they wear a medical bracelet with their name, address, and your phone number.
• Search and Rescue: Keep a recent photograph and a piece of unwashed clothing in a bag for K-9 search dogs. 
  • The Sheriff’s Office operates a Life Track program where adults with cognitive impairment wear a bracelet or anklet containing a transmitter that assists the Sheriff’s Office in search and rescue efforts.
• Introduce: Let neighbors and nearby friends know that the person has dementia and tends to wander; ask them to call you if they see the individual walking by him or herself.
• Plan: Make a list of places the person is likely to go such as old homes, restaurants, or places of worship

If someone does get lost it is better to call 911 sooner rather than later and let the dispatcher know that the individual has Alzheimer’s or dementia.  Caregiving can be stressful and difficult, and we thank you for all that you are doing to keep your loved ones safe and cared for throughout their journey.

This month's article was written by Walter Moczygemba, one of two social work practicum students working with OCDoA's Aging Transitions team this summer.  Walter is a rising third year student with UNC's MSW program.

Brief Counseling Services

Our team of social workers are available to work with older adults and caregivers for brief counseling services, free of charge. We can work with you on issues including anxiety, depression, caregiver stress and loneliness.

Contact the Aging Helpline for more information: 919-968-2087.

Dementia Friendly Orange County 

Our partner organizations aim to be aware and accommodating of the needs of patrons with dementia and their caregivers.
 
To date, 110 local organizations and over 1,300 employees have participated in our training.  https://dforangecounty.org/certified-businesses/
 
Founding sponsors of Dementia Friendly Orange County include the Orange County Department on Aging, the East Chapel Hill Rotary Club, and Acorn of Chapel Hill.

In Need of Incontinence Supplies?

Thanks to generous donations, the Department on Aging has a supply of incontinence supplies including: bed pads, pull up briefs, adult diapers, wipes, and adult booster pads. If you are in need of any of these items, we may be able to provide you with up to one pack per month (depending on availability of the items requested). Contact the Aging Helpline (919-968-2087 or Agingtransitions@Orangecountync.gov) to request supplies.