Wandering

Wandering is a behavior common in dementia and Alzheimer's disease in which a person walks about or leaves a safe area without awareness of where they are or the risk involved. It is one of the most dangerous aspects of dementia care because a person can leave home unnoticed — sometimes in seconds — and become lost or injured.

Reducing the risk at home

The most effective home strategy is layered, low-cost monitoring: a door or wander alarm that chimes when an exterior door opens, plus a motion sensor that alerts a caregiver as the person approaches the door. A plug-in caregiver receiver placed in another room means the alert is heard even at night. Professional exit stoppers with key overrides are used in memory-care settings.

Beyond devices

Keep a recent photo and a description handy, secure or disguise exits, address triggers like restlessness or unmet needs, and ask about local safe-return programs and GPS options. See our dementia home safety guide.