Dementia Wandering Guide

People with dementia—a group of diseases affecting the brain¹ —often feel disoriented, confused, or anxious. They have a nagging feeling that they need to go somewhere or do something, but can’t quite remember what they need to do or where they need to go.

Or, as one person with dementia described it to our health expert Sally Russell, MN, CMSRN, CNE,  they feel like they’re “leaving bits and pieces of themselves around but don’t know where to find them.”  

They end up wandering, aimlessly, as a result.

Yes. People with dementia can get lost if they wander away from home. They won’t know how to get back, may not realize they need help, and usually don’t understand how to keep themselves safe or express a need for help.

Wandering behavior can also be dangerous inside the home if, for example, someone turns on the stove in confusion or turns the car on while it’s in a closed garage. They may also trip and fall if the home has clutter.

While in-home caregivers should always supervise people in the middle to late stages of dementia, there are ways to prevent the ability to wander into dangerous areas like the kitchen or garage. You may not be able to eradicate someone with dementia’s pacing and wandering behavior, but you can at least provide a safe space for them to roam.

Your loved one may feel like pacing or roaming when they’re hungry, in pain, or aren’t sure what they’re supposed to be doing. Make sure they’re comfortable in every way possible and redirect their attention to an activity they enjoy, like working on a jigsaw puzzle, flipping through magazines, or watching TV.

The Alzheimer’s Association recommends hiding anything that could make a person think about leaving the house.² Keep shoes, jackets, hats, purses, or keys out of sight—even if they belong to visitors.

Instead, make sure there are plenty of signs that explain what to do in each room. Even a simple sign that says “Living Room” can help, as can other signs like “Read Magazines” or “Watch TV.”

3. Documentation: Fill out the Individual Profile document from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Save a copy online and print several copies to keep at home and in the car. It can help speed up the process of an investigative search.

4. Plan ahead: Come up with a preventative plan for public outings. Ask another person to go with you so there’s always someone watching your loved one. Never leave someone with dementia alone in a car.

5. Silver Alerts: Contact your local police department and learn the procedure for filing a Silver Alert or similar report. Keep the police department’s phone number in your contacts.

• Best Medical Alert Systems with GPS
• How Smart Home Tech Can Help Older Adults
• What Types of Medical Conditions Can Affect a Person’s Ability to Drive Safely?
• Best Bed Rails for Seniors
• What’s the Difference Between Assisted Living and a Nursing Home?

1. Michael J Annear et al., BMC Geriatrics, “What Should We Know About Dementia in the 21st Century? A Delphi Consensus Study,” Feb 2015. Accessed January 20, 2023.
2. Alzheimer’s Association, “Wandering.” Accessed January 20, 2023.