If you have a loved one with dementia, you may be concerned about their safety, especially if they tend to wander. Wandering is a common symptom of dementia and can be dangerous, especially if your loved one wanders away from their home or memory care facility. In Murphy, GA, there are memory care homes that specialize in caring for elderly with dementia. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to manage dementia wandering symptoms in Murphy, GA memory care homes.
Understanding Dementia Wandering
Before we dive into how to manage wandering, it’s important to understand why it happens. Wandering is a common symptom of dementia and can be caused by a variety of factors, including boredom, confusion, and anxiety. Elderly folks with dementia may wander because they’re looking for something familiar or trying to escape a perceived threat.
Wandering can be dangerous because elderly folks with dementia may become lost or injured, especially if they wander outside. In memory care homes in Murphy, GA, team members are trained to recognize wandering behaviors and take steps to prevent wandering.
Preventing Wandering
Preventing wandering is an important part of managing dementia symptoms. Here are some tips for preventing wandering in memory care homes in Murphy, GA:
- Keep your loved one engaged: Boredom can lead to wandering, so it’s important to keep your loved one engaged in activities they enjoy. Memory care homes in Murphy, GA offer a variety of activities, such as music therapy, art classes, and exercise programs.
- Create a safe environment: Memory care homes in Murphy, GA are designed to be safe for elderly folks with dementia. The environment is secure, with locked doors and alarms to prevent wandering. Team members are trained to monitor residents and respond quickly if someone tries to leave.
- Establish a routine: Elderly with dementia often feel more secure when they have a routine. Memory care homes in Murphy, GA establish regular schedules for meals, activities, and personal care.
- Use technology: There are several technological solutions available for preventing wandering, such as GPS tracking devices and door alarms. Memory care homes in Murphy, GA may use these devices to keep track of residents and prevent wandering.
Responding to Wandering
Even with the best prevention strategies, wandering can still occur. Here’s how to respond if your loved one wanders in a memory care home in Murphy, GA:
- Stay calm: If you discover that your loved one has wandered, it’s important to stay calm. Your loved one may become agitated if they sense that you’re upset or worried.
- Search the immediate area: Look for your loved one in nearby areas, such as common areas or other residents’ rooms. Notify team members immediately so they can assist with the search.
- Notify authorities: If your loved one is missing for more than 15 minutes, notify the authorities. Memory care homes in Murphy, GA have protocols in place for handling missing residents.
- Reassure your loved one: If your loved one is found, reassure them that they’re safe and that you’re there to help them. Avoid scolding or criticizing them for wandering.
Conclusion
Wandering is a common symptom of dementia and can be dangerous if not managed properly. Memory care homes in Murphy, GA are equipped to handle wandering and have prevention strategies in place to keep residents safe. By staying engaged, creating a safe environment, and establishing routines, you can help prevent wandering in your loved one with dementia. If wandering does occur, stay calm, search the immediate area, and notify authorities if necessary. Remember to reassure your loved one that they’re safe and loved.
