Wandering-Roaming-Searching


How do I prevent them from wandering off?

Physical activity is very helpful for everyone, especially those living with brain changes. Especially if they are sedentary most of the day. So walking is good, but when they continue to walk to the point of getting lost and unable to find their way back to the starting point? That is a bad day. It’s possible the brain is “bored” and looking for stimulation or the physical body is restless from being still so often. Try adding a daily physical activity to your routine, see if that helps. If that doesn’t work and safety becomes an issue there are other things you can try to keep your loved one safe.

Here are some ideas:

  • Install door alarms to alert you when one is opened

  • Make sure they carry an ID of some sort. Make sure it contains the emergency contact person and number

  • Advise your neighborhood so they can help you be on the lookout

  • Be sure to keep a recent photograph of your loved one for emergency personal

  • Install “child locks” on the door knobs or place locks where they can’t be accessed, like a “key” deadbolt

  • Create a daily exercise routine. If walking is an issue, try Chair exercises. You may find a few easy-to-follow ones online. 

Self Care Guide

  • Find chair exercises that you can do together. The chair fitness I provide, Ageless Grace for Brain and Body, gives you both a full body workout and stimulates five brain areas.

  • Go for a walk with them. Walk outside if possible to provide visual and sound stimulation

  • Use this time as your respite time by having a “helper” come sit with them while you go for a walk. You may choose to have the helper meet you at a local park, and you go separate ways on your walk.