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How to stop dementia patients from wandering at night
Dementia causes many physical, behavioural and emotional changes that impact the lives of older adults. Here, we explore how their social life may be affected by cognitive decline.
How does dementia cause wandering?
Dementia causes challenging symptoms as it progresses, from memory loss to confusion, and even more severe behavioural issues like sundowning. One behaviour that may occur is wandering, which is expected to affect around 35-60% of people with dementia at least once. Sometimes wandering happens safely within the home, while other times an older person may attempt to leave home and get lost.
Night wandering can occur for several reasons, and is often a combination of night waking and restlessness. Studies suggest this is likely not linked to gender, age, or age of diagnosis, but may instead be related to their cognitive state. Increased wandering tends to first appear in the moderate stage, while late stage dementia often causes immobility.
What might trigger wandering at night?
Dementia may cause wandering due to issues with memory, problem-solving, and spatial awareness. They may become confused about their location or goals, and walk away to find familiarity. Sometimes nighttime wandering is triggered by:
- Memory loss, causing the person to start a journey with a goal and then forget part way through
- Disrupted circadian rhythms and sleep cycles, making it difficult to tell night from day
- Discomfort from things like pain, hunger, thirst, temperature, or bathroom needs
- Confusion, which studies find can lead to aimless walking and becoming lost
- Restlessness, agitation, anxiety, or feeling unsafe in the dark
- An attempt to follow old routines, like preparing for work
- Unsettling environmental factors like noise or shadows
How can families stop a loved one with dementia from wandering?
Wandering can be a problem whether the person with dementia lives alone or with others. To reduce nighttime wandering:
- Create a calm bedtime routine with low lighting
- Ensure your loved one is completely comfortable before bed
- Install motion sensors or alarms to alert you or caregivers to wandering
- Keep pathways clear to avoid trip hazards
- Secure doors so they can’t go outside
- Place frequently used items within reach of their bed
- Work with a GP to address any pain, anxiety or sleep issues they may have
- Maintain a regular schedule to manage their circadian rhythms
- Ensure they are supervised overnight if wandering worries you
- Reassure them that whatever they need is already in the home
- Redirect behaviours to a safer activity that keeps them in one place
How can we help?
We've helped thousands of families to stay safe, comfortable and happy at home. Whatever situation you're facing, or whatever the question is, Home Instead is here to help.
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Get in touch How can caregivers help with wandering in dementia patients?
Having professional caregivers in the home (either for overnight care or live-in care) can be a huge help for families who struggle with a loved one’s wandering habits. Caregivers can create a safe space and structured routines, facilitate regular activities during the day to reduce any restlessness or boredom, and encourage them to sleep more regularly at night.
Having alarms and other alert systems in the home can be useful, but knowing a caregiver is present to step in if a person with dementia wanders at night can give families more peace of mind that their loved one is safe, comfortable, and that their needs are being met. Caregivers can offer reassurance if they become fearful, and redirect their attention to less dangerous activities.
Why Home Instead?
Nighttime wandering can be especially disruptive if you are living with and caring for a loved one with dementia, so having professional carers manage these behaviours can help your family maintain balance and a regular sleep schedule. Specialist dementia care is designed to watch over your loved one–whether as wake-in or sleep-in night care–to keep them safe and secure at home.
At Home Instead, our Care Professionals are trained in person-centred dementia care using a programme that is City & Guilds Assured. We are rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, and many of our locations are deemed “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), so you can trust our Care Professionals to help reduce your loved one’s desire and need to wander.
