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By Danny Cain 

1. Wandering Behavior
A Serious Safety Treat Wandering behavior is one of the most serious concerns facing caregivers. As AD progresses, the individual loses the ability to recall familiar information, which may put him or her at risk for wandering.

It is important to note that not all persons with AD wander. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing who will and when. Prevention is the best measure you can take to reduce the possibility of your loved one wandering. The following information on wandering will assist you in developing preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of wandering by understanding the potential risks and being prepared.

2. What You Should Do Now-
   Before Your Loved One Gets Lost
Prevention is the best approach when the possibility of wandering becomes a concern. If your loved one has been diagnosed with AD or has had other memory lapses that cause poor judgment, problems with orientation, or difficulty with the ability to retrace their way home, you should take the following steps:

• Inform people in your neighborhood that your loved one may get confused and disoriented, placing them at risk for wandering off.
• Ask neighbors to contact you immediately if they see your loved one alone in the neighborhood.
• Consider electronic monitoring devices to alert you of an unwanted exit.

By establishing a neighborhood watch plan now, you'll be better prepared should there ever be an emergency. It is important to ask your neighbors to assist you with search efforts should the person ever wander off.

3. Description of Your Loved One
Write down the information that answers the following question: What does your loved one look like? During a time of crisis such as the disappearance of your loved one, you may easily forget crucial information that could assist the search and rescue teams in their efforts. You probably think this sounds silly; however, people sometimes get so upset with a situation that they can't think clearly. An accurate description of your loved one is crucial in the search and rescue attempt. It could mean the difference between life and death.

4. Some Things to Consider
The following questions will provide you with needed information during a time of crisis such as a wandering episode.

1. Do you have a recent portrait photo of your loved one? If not, have one made. Photos can play a major role in the rescue efforts since they can be broadcast on television or printed in newspaper or on posters.
2. Does your loved one have any medical problems? Time is of the essence when someone wanders off especially if they also require medical attention.
3. Does the person take any medicine(s)? How often? When is the next dose due? If they have medicine on their possession, can he or she take it on their own? Medical problems can be a significant factor especially if the person is on life sustaining medications.
4. How far can your loved one walk or run?
5. Does your loved one have other disabilities that might slow him or her down?
6. Does he or she wear glasses? Did they have them on when they disappeared?
7. What kind of physical condition is your loved one in?
8. What were they wearing when they wandered off?

5. What Can Your Loved One Do?
Depending on how far the disease has progressed, your loved one may still be able to make critical decisions. Knowledge of this ability can assist with search and rescue efforts.

1. Can the person talk clearly? Can they ask questions and use this information to make sound decisions?
2. Will your loved one recognize familiar landmarks?
3. Will your loved one know to avoid dangers such as traffic, bad weather or water hazards?
4. How disoriented is your loved one? Does he or she know how to tell time? Do they know their address or what neighborhood they live in?
5. Can your loved one tell someone his or her name?
6. Does your loved one know how to use a bus or taxi?
7. Can your loved one recognize people in uniform such as police or postal carriers? If so, is he or she likely to ask for assistance or be afraid?

6. Where Would They Likely Go?
A person who wanders away from their caregiver may have given the caregiver valuable information about their potential destination. The caregiver should carefully consider whether the person has made any previous comments that are likely clues to where they would be going. The person may have been preoccupied recently wishing to see persons or locations from the past. Sometimes this can involve places or persons who no longer exist or are alive. Nevertheless, they may still have a strong desire to reach them.

1. Does your loved one have a tendency to avoid people or areas that are noisy?
2. Is the person dressed appropriately for the weather?
3. Can they read or follow road signs?
4. How easily does your loved one relate to strangers? Does your loved one have a special place he or she likes to go?
5. Is your loved one likely to accept a ride if offered?
6. Has your loved one wandered before and been found in a place of interest such as a church, restaurant or work place?
7. What other memories might stir up an interest that your loved one may want to pursue?

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