If you’re struggling to take care of a parent who has dementia, dementia home care can help you and your parent. There are a lot of symptoms and behaviors that seniors who have dementia can exhibit that are frustrating and dangerous. Dementia home care can help you keep your parent and yourself safe.
Wandering is a very common dementia behavior. Seniors may be disoriented or not recognize their home, so they want to leave. Or, they may think that they need to get to work or somewhere else and try to leave the house.
When you are trying to stop a parent from wandering or leaving the house, it can be frustrating that they don’t seem to understand why it’s not safe for them to go. But it’s important that you don’t show anger or frustration, because that won’t help either of you.
Dementia home care is a wonderful support for your parent and for you because the caregivers who provide dementia care have a strong understanding of the behaviors associated with dementia.
They can help you learn more effective ways to stop your parent from wandering and keep them safe at home. You should make sure that your parent always has some kind of identification on them, though, in case they wander. A GPS tracker or wearable tracker is a great way to make sure you can always locate your parent.
Preventing Your Parent From Wandering
If your parent leaves the house when they wander, they could get lost or hurt. So, preventing them from getting out the door is very important. However, the best way to do that isn’t to yell or get upset.
The best ways to keep your parent with dementia from wandering are:
Install Locks and Safety Devices on Doors
One of the most important steps is to make it harder for your parent to leave the house without help. You can install smart locks or simple door locks that are placed higher or lower than usual, making them less likely to be noticed.
Door alarms are also helpful. These devices emit a sound when a door is opened, alerting you right away. These tools add an extra layer of safety without making your home feel like a locked space.
Create a Calm and Structured Daily Routine
People with dementia often feel more secure when they know what to expect. A regular daily routine can reduce confusion and restlessness. Try to keep meals, activities, and bedtime at the same time each day.
When your parent feels calm and engaged, they are less likely to wander. Even simple routines like morning coffee or an afternoon walk can make a big difference.
Redirect Their Attention
If your parent starts talking about leaving or tries to go outside, it is important not to argue. Instead, gently redirect their attention to something else.
You might suggest a snack, start a conversation, or offer a simple activity like folding laundry or looking at photos. Redirection works best for preventing wandering because your parent will forget that they wanted to leave when you get them focused on a new task or event.
Make the Home Environment Safer
Small changes in the home can help prevent wandering. You can place signs or pictures on doors to make them less appealing or more confusing to open. Some people paint the door the same color as the rest of the room, so it looks like just another wall.
Another option is to use curtains or coverings to hide doors from view. You can also create a safe space inside the home where your parent can move around freely without danger by using gates or screens to keep them from entering rooms with exterior doors.
Encourage Physical Activity
Restlessness can lead to wandering, especially if your parent has extra energy. Regular physical activity can help reduce this urge.
Simple exercises like walking, stretching, or light chores like folding laundry or sorting silverware can help them feel more relaxed. Helping with small tasks around the house can give them a sense of purpose and reduce the need to wander.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Dementia Home Care in Philadelphia, PA, please contact the caring staff at Better Care Home Health Services today at (267) 766-5218
Better Care Home Health Services is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Philadelphia, Germantown, Glenside, Elkins Park, Bryn Mawr, Roxborough, Wyncote, Broomall, Upper Darby, Yeadon, Lansdowne, Narberth, Wynnewood, Penn Wynne, Fairmount, Ardmore, Chestnut Hill, and the surrounding areas.
Better Care Home Health Services is a family-owned agency dedicated to providing excellent and comprehensive home health care to individuals and families of Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery and Bucks counties. We are honored that God has blessed us with the opportunity to positively impact and change people’s lives. It is our mission to ensure that we provide the very best of care to our clients.
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