September 5, 2025
Taking care of a senior parent with Alzheimer’s can be a real challenge. As the disease progresses, your mom or dad may act in ways that are different from how they usually act. One of the behaviors that seniors with Alzheimer’s often develop is wandering.
Your mom or dad may start wandering because they are confused or don’t recognize where they are. They also may think they are in a different period of time. For example, they may wander at night because they think it’s daytime and they want to go for a walk.
Alzheimer’s care at home is a fantastic resource if you’re struggling to take care of a senior parent with Alzheimer’s. The care providers that specialize in Alzheimer’s care know how Alzheimer’s affects seniors, and they know how to keep seniors safe at home. A skilled care provider can make sure that your mom or dad doesn’t wander outside the house.
If you are worried about your mom or dad wondering, some things you can do in addition to getting Alzheimer’s care at home for them are:
One of the most effective ways to prevent your mom or dad from wandering is by securing doors and windows. Installing childproof locks, door alarms, or motion sensors can alert you if your parent tries to leave.
Another helpful trick is placing locks higher or lower on doors where they may not think to look. You can also use a simple sign on the door that says, “Stop” or “Do Not Enter,” as visual reminders can sometimes help people with Alzheimer’s hesitate before leaving.
Seniors with Alzheimer’s often wander because they feel restless, anxious, or confused. Keeping your parent engaged in daily activities can reduce their urge to leave the house.
Plan structured activities like puzzles, crafts, gentle exercise, or short walks with supervision. A regular routine also helps them feel more secure. When they know what to expect each day, they may feel less of a need to wander.
If your parent does wander, having some form of identification can help bring them home safely. Putting a medical ID bracelet with their name, address, and your contact information on them is a good idea.
Some seniors may refuse to wear a bracelet, so you can sew labels into their clothing with similar details. GPS tracking devices, like smartwatches or shoe inserts, can also help you find them quickly if they go missing.
Sometimes, seniors with Alzheimer’s wander because they are looking for something or feel confused about their surroundings. Making changes at home can help prevent this.
For example, you can place mirrors near exits—some seniors with Alzheimer’s may see their reflection and think someone else is standing there, which can stop them from leaving. You can also keep coats, shoes, and keys out of sight, as seeing these items may trigger them to try to go outside.
Letting trusted neighbors know about your parent’s condition can be very helpful. If they see your parent outside alone, they can call you or help guide them back home.
