Rare is the week in Cullman that those who are subscribed to the sheriff’s or county’s emergency alert system don’t get a text, or multiple texts, asking for the public’s help in locating an individual. Often, those missing are dealing with a dementia-related illness — an especially difficult and dangerous combination during the winter months.

Beyond being on the lookout as we get those alerts, there is more we can do to help individuals dealing with illnesses such as Alzheimer’s.

First is recognizing that wandering or getting lost can occur at any stage of the disease. Alzheimer’s can cause disorientation and confusion, often generating an impulse for the person to escape excessive stimuli by leaving their typical environment.

Addressing individual situations about why this might happen and having an emergency plan ready are two ways the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America advises caregivers in protecting their loved one, but the AFA also suggests four tips to help families and caregivers safeguard those with dementia.

• Understand the causes of wandering. Walking outdoors can bring a feeling of purposefulness and pleasure to someone living with dementia, especially if they have lived an active lifestyle and enjoyed the outdoors before the onset of dementia. Identify consistent and sustainable ways to support these experiences in a safe environment, such as creating walking paths around the home with visual cue; engaging the person in simple tasks; and providing stimulating and enjoyable activities (i.e., exercise, music, crafts). Wandering can also be a response to excessive stimuli, triggered by the need to get away from noises and people, or an expression of an unmet need (i.e., hunger, thirst, a need to use the bathroom). Ensuring basic needs are met can reduce the chances of wandering.

• Safeguard the home. Facilitate safe movement by avoiding clutter and eliminating tripping hazards. Be mindful of how objects such as car keys, jackets and purses might motivate the person to leave suddenly. Install electronic chimes or doorbells on doors so someone is alerted if the individual tries to exit. Consider utilizing a smart doorbell with an app that can notify you when someone is entering or exiting the home.

• Be aware of your loved one’s patterns. Know what times of the day may be more activating than others and provide activities during those periods. Encourage healthy sleep habits to reduce the chances the person might leave in the middle of the night. If your loved one does wander, keep a record of their patterns (frequency, duration, time of day, etc.) to help guide you in the future.

• Develop a safety plan. Keep a list of places the person may go (i.e., previous home or place of employment, favorite spots around town), a recent close-up photo and medical information readily accessible to give to first responders if needed. Maintain a list of people to contact if the person goes missing and ask neighbors to call you if they see the person out alone. See if your community has a safety program for families affected by dementia, such as Project Lifesaver. These programs allow you to voluntarily enroll your loved one to receive locating technology. First responders can then activate the technology if the person goes missing. When possible, encourage and incorporate input from the person when developing the plan.

AFA’s helpline is staffed by licensed social workers who are specifically trained in dementia care, can provide additional information about wandering prevention tips. The helpline is available seven days a week by phone (866-232-8484), text message (646-586-5283) and web chat (www.alzfdn.org).

CNHI News Service