Wandering is a common behavior for people with dementia. It’s related to disruptions in the body’s internal clock (circadian rhythms). Disturbing this natural pattern can lead to further agitation or confusion in the evenings, often called “sundowning.”
Nighttime wandering can cause concern for your parent’s safety and well-being. They might become lost, dehydrated, or injured.
Fortunately, there are measures you can take to lower episodes of nighttime wandering and promote a peaceful night’s sleep for everyone involved:
- Set up a safe environment
- Create a calming bedtime routine
- Maintain a strong relationship
- Encourage activity
- Prepare for wandering
- Avoid escalating the situation
Although you can’t necessarily prevent your parent from wandering altogether, combining these strategies can go a long way to creating a solid foundation of comfort, making it less likely for them to feel the need to wander.
Set Up a Safe Environment
Since wandering can stem from confusion, disorientation, or unmet needs, a thoughtfully arranged space can offer you clarity while keeping your loved one safe from potential hazards:
- Install locks & alarms
- Position locks high or low on doors, out of your loved one’s direct line of sight
- Door alarms can alert you if they attempt to leave during the night
- Remove hazards
- Secure sharp objects, toxic chemicals, & trip hazards, like wires or cords, to minimize the risk of injury
- Use nightlights
- Good lighting can reduce disorientation, making it easier for your loved one to stay calm
- Brighter lighting can help them safely navigate the halls at night, preventing the risk of falls
Create a Calming Bedtime Routine
Evenings can often bring a sense of confusion or anxiety (sundowning) for people with dementia, making it harder for them to relax and fall asleep.
However, people with dementia respond well to consistency and routine, as it cultivates a calming and familiar environment. It’s one reason professional services, like memory care, develop daily care routines for their residents.
A predictable and soothing routine can help signal to your parent that it’s time to wind down for the night and get ready for bed. Relaxing bedtime rituals also help set a clear rhythm for the day, improving their circadian rhythm and reinforcing a natural sleep-wake cycle.
Consider exploring these soothing routines:
- A warm bath
- Playing calming music
- Light stretching or a walk
It might take some getting used to, but over time, these practices can help improve sleep quality, lessening the chances of your parent waking up disoriented and wandering during the night.
Maintain a Strong Relationship
There’s no greater feeling than reassurance and support from someone you love. People with dementia might find it harder to communicate, but they still respond well to genuine kindness and sincerity.
Be observant. If your loved one appears restless or anxious, sit with them, hold their hand, and speak in a reassuring tone. Sometimes, this simple act can ease their mind and prevent wandering.
Monitor Regularly
Watching your parents’ activity patterns can help you identify recurring behaviors, restlessness, or unusual routines that may trigger a tendency to wander.
Check on your parent throughout the night to verify they are safe and comfortable. Your familiar company can also offer reassurance that they are not alone and that help is always nearby.
Tools like motion sensors, baby monitors, or even wearable devices can discreetly alert you to any movement, allowing you to respond swiftly.
Encourage Activity
When your parent participates in mentally stimulating, physically rewarding, and socially enriching activities, it keeps them engaged, fills their day, and can reduce daytime napping, promoting a healthier sleep cycle.
Consider simple activities your parent might enjoy (that you can even do together) such as:
- Puzzles
- Arts & crafts (painting, drawing, etc.)
- Light exercise (walking, yoga, gardening, etc.)
Enriching activities also combat feelings of boredom or confusion, which are common triggers for wandering. A busy and balanced day encourages nighttime restfulness.
Prepare for Wandering
Despite your efforts, understand that your parent might still wander from time to time. You can help protect their safety by preparing yourself for when this happens.
Planning might include measures like:
- Securing doors & windows with safety locks
- Placing motion-sensing alarms
- Keeping identifiable information (medical ID bracelets, labels on clothing, etc.) accessible
- Informing your neighbors or local community members about your parents’ condition so they can call you if they are spotted alone
Staying prepared can help mitigate safety risks while allowing you to respond calmly and quickly if an incident arises.
Avoid Escalating the Situation
If your parent becomes restless or starts wandering, remain gentle and calm.
Yelling, confrontation, arguing, or trying to physically stop them from leaving can raise their anxiety and agitation. Your efforts can exacerbate their behavior and make the situation worse.
Instead, de-escalate the situation by redirecting and distracting your loved one. Offer your parent a cup of tea and sit with them in a comforting and familiar space, or listen to their favorite music. Center yourself and guide them back to a settled state.
Finding Safety in Memory Care
When dementia progresses, managing behaviors like wandering is just part of the responsibility. Under stress and fatigue (like interrupted sleep at night), the quality of care you can effectively provide to your loved one also suffers (along with you).
Memory care can offer meaningful help—for you and your loved one.
Memory care is a community specifically for people with dementia. With 24/7 care staff available, protection measures, and daily care plans, memory care can effectively address wandering episodes to help keep your loved one safe at all times.
Connect with All American Assisted Living in Enfield today and schedule a tour of our memory care community.
