Protect Your Loved Ones from Wandering

A family member’s worst nightmare is when their loved one or care recipient wanders off or goes missing. Thoughts can turn to the worst-case scenario, and until the wanderer is returned safe and sound, care teams and even police, local firefighters, EMTs and the community are on heightened alert.

No one wants their senior loved one to experience the frightening scenario of being lost and having no one by their side to help them. And today, as COVID-19 cases are still being tracked across the U.S., the risk of wandering without any protective masks or an understanding of social distancing makes it even more serious.

There are many actions that can be taken once a care recipient is found to be missing, but there are also ways to prevent a loved one from wandering off without anyone noticing in the first place.

If a care recipient is in their own home or the home of a loved one

For in-home caregivers, there are many steps that can be taken to prevent wandering. Many family members set up video cameras to ensure their loved ones are staying safe and are being cared for, if they have hired outside help. One of the most popular safety products available is an alert device that is worn either around the neck or on a wrist band that will alert you on your phone if your loved one ventures outside of a pre-determined radius.

Other devices allow the care recipient to push a button that alerts you or the police if they get lost or fall and need help. Other technology, like door alarms in the home can help alert caregivers via text or video when a care recipient opens a door to the outside.

If your loved one can use a cell phone, some are available that are made just for seniors with limited capabilities. Loved ones can dial a button with your name on it, or your photo, if they get lost.

If they are in a senior living community

Make sure the staff have a procedure in place to prevent residents from leaving on their own. Some communities use door alarms, video camera alert systems, visual checks of rooms and checks during mealtimes. Ask the director of the community to explain all the practices they use to make sure your loved one is safe and secure.

If your loved one understands, explain why leaving the building or grounds is dangerous and why monitoring their whereabouts is necessary. They may feel more secure knowing they won’t get lost or forgotten about. Some seniors with cognitive challenges may not understand or may decide they want to leave on their own, and if they have shown a tendency to wander, they are at a higher risk for trying this again. If this is the case, have a discussion with the staff and director to notify them of the risk. Extra precautions may need to be added to your loved one’s care routine.

During COVID-19, you may be times when you are not able to visit your loved ones, so it is imperative you have a good relationship with the staff at the community, if at all possible. Your loved one may not understand why you aren’t visiting and this can make them anxious and possibly more likely to try and leave to find you.

Finally, find out the procedure for alerting local officials and family members if a resident is unaccounted for. You’ll want a staff member to notify you immediately, and have the staff inform you of exactly what they are doing to locate your loved one. Make sure they have several ways to notify you, so you will never miss a call or message.

Stay Connected

Staying connected with care recipients is also important, because if they are staying in contact with family, they may not feel the urge to wander. Technology can help caregivers and care recipients feel close and less isolated - during and after COVID-19 - and that’s the most important part of caregiving.