How to Stop Dementia Patients from Wandering at Night

Why Do Dementia Patients Wander at Night?

Nighttime wandering in dementia patients is linked to sundowning, a condition where increased confusion and disorientation develop due to cognitive decline. Increased nighttime dementia wandering and activity can occur when the body’s circadian rhythms and sleep are disrupted. Some other reasons dementia patients may wander include overstimulation, anxiety, hunger, discomfort, caregiver activity, or being unable to communicate their needs. Even minor changes in their environment or routines can cause them to become agitated and restless. Memory loss is also why dementia patients wander and search for familiarity.

What Is Sundowning and How Does It Relate to Wandering?

Sundowning is a condition that people with dementia experience during the late afternoon and evening, causing behavioral changes, increased wandering, confusion, agitation, and possibly restlessness. A disrupted sleep-wake cycle leads to challenges in processing time and their surroundings. Dim lighting and excessive noise can worsen symptoms, making sundowning and wandering worse, which can be challenging to manage when you’re a caregiver.

Early Signs of Wandering in Dementia Patients

Dementia patients who begin wandering may forget directions to familiar areas, feel disoriented in new surroundings, and show signs of repetitive movements. Dementia patients often lack the ability to distinguish between daytime and nighttime, and sometimes can’t identify familiar faces or family members. There can be a disconnect from reality and past memories. They may wander due to their confusion and have difficulty processing spatial awareness, especially in unfamiliar environments.

How to prevent dementia wandering

To prevent wandering in dementia patients, keep aware of their specific triggers and make some adjustments to your loved one’s routine and environment to ensure they stay safe. Install safety locks, alarms, or motion sensors to alert caregivers when doors are opened. GPS trackers can also provide additional security. Following a predictable routine may reduce confusion and minimize their need to wander. Caregivers can redirect behavior during certain times of the day if they identify triggers for wandering in dementia patients and anticipate them. If they are searching for food or drink because they’re hungry or thirsty, this can be prevented. Labels, signs, and familiar objects that provide visual clues can help dementia patients navigate their surroundings better. Using calm and reassuring language to ease their agitation reduces the anxiety that often accompanies wandering.

Safe Home Modifications to Prevent Wandering

Creating a safe home environment for dementia patients includes reducing hazards and improving navigation. Installing grab bars and removing tripping hazards like rugs and clutter minimizes the risk of falls. Furniture that has round edges instead of corners prevents injuries from happening. Ensure safe spaces exist with familiar objects and comfortable seating to reduce the anxiety that’s prevalent with wandering. Add nightlights to improve visibility and reduce their disorientation. Use smart home technology like GPS to monitor their movements and respond quickly when they wander.

Creating a Soothing Nighttime Routine

A structured nighttime routine can minimize dementia nighttime wandering. Encourage soothing activities to help your loved one wind down, like a warm bath, and play calming background music to create a peaceful atmosphere. Ensure there is minimal noise and adequate lighting. To prevent restlessness, limit caffeine and heavy meals before bedtime. Reducing stimulation and reinforcing a sense of familiarity can ease anxiety at night so your loved one won’t have the urge to wander.

Assisted Living vs Nursing Home for Dementia Care

Assisted living and nursing homes provide different levels of support for dementia care. A resident who can still function independently and participate in social activities may be able to function in an assisted living facility even in the early stages of dementia. As dementia progresses and confusion and disorientation accelerate, your loved one will need more support. Nursing homes and memory care centers provide safe 24-hour care for patients with advanced dementia and severe cognitive decline who need to be continuously monitored to stay safe and prevent wandering. Some assisted living facilities have areas where they care specifically for residents who have dementia, which allows for an easier transition when more support and personalized care become necessary.

When to Consider Memory Care for Your Loved One

Memory care should be considered when dementia wandering at night interferes with daily life, causes disorientation, or becomes a safety risk. If you and your loved one with dementia are having disrupted sleep patterns, it may be time to consider moving them into memory care. Persistent wandering may cause distress, injuries, or falls, and memory care has safety measures already in place to prevent them. Memory care facilities provide structured routines, a secure environment, and trained staff who manage wandering behaviors while ensuring your loved one lives in a comfortable living space with the extra attention they need.

Can Dementia Patients Be Alone at Night? Importance of 24-Hour Supervision for Dementia

Dementia night wandering is a common concern, especially if sundowning causes mental confusion. Dementia patients who wander shouldn’t be left alone at night, because it increases safety risks like accidents, falls, or getting lost. A structured nighttime routine and a calm, secure environment can reduce the risk of wandering and ensure safety. When left unsupervised, those suffering from dementia may engage in unsafe activities. 24-hour care is needed as dementia progresses to later stages and becomes more unpredictable.

How to Choose the Best Memory Care Community Near Me In San Diego

As dementia progresses, confusion and wandering may create the need for a safer living environment with additional support for your loved one. When considering the right memory care community for your loved one, evaluate the expertise of staff, the level of supervision they provide to residents, and the overall safety of each facility. At Stellar Care Assisted Living and Memory Care in San Diego, we’re committed to providing a nurturing and welcoming environment that emphasizes safety, comfort, and the attentive, personalized care your loved one needs. We understand the challenges families face when their loved one’s dementia is progressing, and they begin to wander, and we’re here to ensure you have peace of mind knowing they will be safe and have a better quality of life, in our compassionate, capable hands.