The Dangers of Winter “Wandering”: Preventative Tips for Family Caregivers

One of the greatest fears expressed by family caregivers of loved ones with dementia is that they will leave the safety and security of their home to wander, unsupervised, through the streets. It’s a very understandable fear. After all, most of us have seen news alerts or heard radio reports about missing older adults, detailing what they were wearing and where they were last spotted. The thought of someone you love wandering alone in an unfamiliar place, confused and unprotected, is deeply unsettling.

While wandering poses a year-round danger, an individual impulsively leaving their home unprepared and unsupervised during cold, winter weather faces an added layer of safety and health risks, including the following:

• Cold winds make walking and breathing more difficult. This puts extra stress on the lungs and heart, which can cause dizziness and loss of consciousness.
• Icy streets and sidewalks create serious slipping hazards which can result in a potentially deadly fall.
• Rain and snow, even if the individual is wearing a jacket, can eventually begin to soak through, causing them to shiver uncontrollably, quickly becoming exhausted. Exposed hands or feet are vulnerable to frostbite. And the rapid reduction in body temperature can lead to hypothermia, a condition which, if not immediately addressed, can be deadly.

Adding to these hazards is the likelihood that, during winter, your loved one’s wandering may go undetected for a longer period of time. Neighbors, who in warmer months may be out walking or gardening, are more likely to remain tucked away behind closed doors and windows.

Fortunately, there are practical steps you and your family can take to add an extra layer of protection for a loved one who may no longer be able to safely navigate their surroundings. The Alzheimer’s Association has created a comprehensive list of tips to help prevent wandering and safeguard your loved one in the event they do leave the security of their home. We have focused on seven key tips below that can make a real difference in the safety of your loved one:

1. Determine when the individual is most prone to wandering Studies show that wandering most often occurs in the late afternoon or early evening for those affected by “sundowning”, a Schedule engaging or structured activities during these periods to help reduce restlessness.
2. Relocate or camouflage door locks and knobs. Locks and bolts that are placed up high or down low are out of their line of vision. Doorknobs covered in cloth that matches the door color will be harder to identify. This will help prevent your loved one from easily unlocking and opening the door to leave the home.
3. Enclose outdoor spaces. This can include patios, yards, or other shared outdoor spaces, by putting up fencing or landscaping barriers, such as hedges, to create a secure boundary.
4. Keep them active and engaged. Provide regular opportunities for your loved one to take part in planned, purposeful activities throughout the day that promote engagement and maintain a healthy routine. Encourage daily exercise. Studies show that insufficient exercise can make an individual with dementia restless, increasing their tendency to wander. Ensuring that they have regular exercise, such as walking, floor exercise, or even chair workouts, can help release pent up energy in a positive, healthy way.  
5. Provide your loved one with visible identification. If your loved one becomes disoriented or leaves the area unexpectedly, wearing an ID bracelet or necklace can play a vital role in ensuring a safe return. The identification should note that the individual has memory challenges and list important medical information.
6. Create small instruction cards. These cards should contain simple, short, guiding messages such as, “Please call home at xxx-xxxx.” Place them in your loved one’s pockets or in their purse or wallet so that they are easy to find.
7. Register your loved one with a local safeguard program. Check your local government offices for programs, such as “Silver Alerts” that provide specialized assistance if your loved one with dementia goes missing.

It is important to note, however, that even with safety measures in place there may come a time when it makes sense to consider specialized memory care for your loved one. Why? Because professional care environments, such as our Anthem Memory Care communities, are intentionally designed from ground up to provide plenty of well lit, appealing walking spaces for residents to stroll safely, both inside and within the secured outdoor areas. These spaces are comfortable and accommodating, honoring each person’s dignity and supporting their independence.

You are welcome to visit any of our Anthem Memory Care communities and experience firsthand how the thoughtful layouts gently support those who may wander, allowing them to move safely and comfortably in a warm and welcoming environment. We’re here to answer your questions and provide additional information and resources to help you navigate your caregiving journey.