Sixty percent of those with Alzheimer’s disease will wander at some point during their diagnosis. This is a significant safety concern for the more than 230,000 people living with Alzheimer’s in Illinois. In cold temperatures and winter weather conditions, wandering can be dangerous – even life-threatening. As the weather becomes inclement it is important to keep your loved one with dementia safe by taking simple precautions to prevent wandering.

Alzheimer’s Association’s Tips to Prevent Wandering:

• Carry out daily activities: Having a routine can provide structure. Consider creating a daily plan.

• Avoid busy places: Shopping malls and grocery stores can be confusing causing disorientation.

• Night wandering: Restrict fluids two hours before bedtime and ensure the person has gone to the bathroom just before bed. Also, use night lights throughout the home or facility.

• Locks: Place out of sight. Install slide bolts at the top or bottom of doors.

• Doors and doorknobs: Camouflage doors by painting them the same colors as the walls. Cover them with removable curtains or screens. Cover knobs with cloth in the color of the door or use childproof knobs.

• Monitoring devices: Try devices that signal when a door or window is opened. Place a pressure-sensitive mat at the door or bedside to alert of movement.

• Secure trigger items: Some people will not go out without a coat, hat, pocketbook, keys, wallet, etc. Making these items unavailable can prevent wandering.