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Wandering

Alzheimer's sufferers are sometimes inclined to wander. Wandering occurs when the person, for whatever reason, decides to go off on their own. They may simply walk away or attempt to drive themselves, which is a danger in and of itself. Often they do not know where they are going, but for some reason they feel a need to go. They can end up lost and confused and show up in the most inappropriate places.

Causes

Wandering can result from a number of things

  • Side effects of medication

  • Stress

  • Confusion

  • Restlessness/pent up energy

  • Agitation/irritation/frustration

  • Anxiety

  • Not being able to remember familiar places or people

  • Fear of no longer familiar sounds and sights

  • A feeling that some important task was left undone

Tips for managing wandering behavior

  • Exercise and regular activity

  • Provide simple household activities

  • Offer comfort and gentle reminders that the person is where they belong

Protect your loved one from wandering

  • Enroll the person in the Alzheimer's Association's Safe Return Program, a nationwide identification system that helps to locate lost loved ones.

  • Tell your neighbors about the person's condition and keep their phone numbers handy

  • Make the necessary changes to secure the home, i.e. deadbolt locks, etc.

What is Safe Return?

Safe Return is a national, government-funded program of the Alzheimer Association that assists in the identification and safe, timely return of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias who wander off, sometimes far from home, and become lost.

The Safe Return program helps unite families by working through Alzheimer's Association chapters across the country and trained community members like law enforcement officials, emergency medical technicians, and transit operators. The program includes:

  • Identification products, including wallet cards, jewelry, and clothing labels

  • A national photo/information database

  • A 24-hour toll-free emergency crisis line

  • Alzheimer's Association local chapter support

  • Wandering behavior education and training for caregivers and families


Check with your local Alzheimer's Association for more information about how to register. There may be fees charged, but you can ask about financial assistance.

Tennessee Chapters

Eastern Tennessee Chapter
2200 Sutherland Avenue Portland Building, Suite H 102
KNOXVILLE , TN - 37919
Phone 1: (865) 544-6288
Phone 2:
800 :
Fax : (865) 544-6249
www.alz.org/tn

Northeast Tennessee Chapter
207 N. Boone Street, Suite 1500
JOHNSON CITY , TN - 37604
Phone 1: (423) 928-4080
Fax : (423) 928-1152

Mid South Chapter
4004 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 219B
NASHVILLE , TN - 37215
Phone 1: (615) 292-4938
Fax : (615) 386-9768
www.alz.org/altn

Southeast Tennessee Chapter
735 Broad Street, Suite 300
CHATTANOOGA , TN - 37402
Phone 1: (423) 265-3600
Phone 2:(800) 616-1922
Fax : (423) 265-3611
www.alz.org/altn


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