Wandering is one of the most frequent and challenging problems that caregivers face. Nearly six out of every ten people with dementia will wander and become lost during the course of the disease, and most will do so repeatedly.

The Alzheimer's Association has created the Safe Return Program to assist in the safe and timely return of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia who wander and become lost.

The Safe Return Program provides:

A national, 24 hour toll-free number to contact when someone is missing or found

Identification products for the memory-impaired

These include a bracelet or necklace, clothing labels and wallet ID card. These products alert others that the individual is memory-impaired and may need assistance. They also list the Safe Return 24-Hour crisis number and the individual registration number.

Registration in a national database

This includes important information that can be accessed quickly when someone wanders and gets lost. This information can be critical in helping law enforcement agencies and others in their search.

Click here to learn more about and register for Safe Return.

back to top

Wandering may be triggered when a person with Alzheimer's disease:

• Tries to search for familiar objects, surroundings or people when they no longer recognize their environment.
• Tries to fulfill former obligations, such as going to work or taking care of a child.
• Reacts to the side effects of medication that cause restlessness and confusion.
• Tries to relieve stress caused by noise, crowds or isolation.
• Is not getting enough physical activity.
• Is fearful of unfamiliar sights, sounds or hallucinations.
• Searches for something specific such as food, drink, the bathroom or companionship.

back to top

Enroll the patient in the Safe Return Program

The Alzheimer's Association created a nationwide identification system designed to assist in the safe return of people who become lost when wandering.

Make sure that the patient gets plenty of physical activity. This can include everything from walking to sweeping floors to folding clothes.

Secure your living area

• Place warning bells above doors.
• Cover doorknobs to make turning more difficult or use childproof knobs that prevent the person with Alzheimer's from opening the door.
• Place locks out of the normal line of vision, either very high or very low on doors. A simple change in a door latch may be enough to stop the wanderer.
• Put fences or hedges around your patio or yard and be sure to place locks on any gates.
• Use electronic buzzers, infrared electronic eye alarms or chimes on your doors. (Key words: Safety Products for the Elderly)
• Try monitoring devices that signal when a door is opened. Place a pressure sensitive mat at the door or person's bedside to alert you to movement. (Key words: Safety Products for the Elderly)
• Camouflage doors by painting them the color of the walls, covering them with a screen or curtain or putting a two-foot square of a dark color in front of the doorknob. This may be perceived as a hole and a place to be avoided.
• Consider seating that is comfortable and yet restrictive such as beanbag chairs, recliner chairs or geriatric chairs for sitting and resting. They are difficult to get out of without assistance.
• Use nightlights, signs and familiar objects to help the person move around in a safe area.
• Use safety gates to bar access to stairs, and the outdoors. (Keyword: Safety Products for the Elderly; Home Safety Products)
• Keep medications and toxic substances locked up and out of sight.

See article on Home Safety for additional ideas.

Hide things that the person needs to go out

These could include a pocketbook, wallet, proper shoes and glasses.

Augment the person's wardrobe with brightly colored clothing

Bicycle reflectors can be sewn onto jacket sleeves

Alert your neighbors, your doorman etc., to the patient's condition

Ask that they call you if they see the patient outdoors without supervision.

Identify dangerous areas near your home

These could include: bodies of water, open stairwells, dense foliage, tunnels, bus stops, high balconies and heavily trafficked roads Check these places first if someone becomes lost.

Eliminate the ability of the person to drive

Take away the car keys, or removing the distributor cap. See Driving for more recommendations on driving.

back to top

Take steps in advance to prepare yourself in the event that the person with Alzheimer's becomes lost.

Enroll them in Safe Return

• Prepare a list of emergency phone numbers. Include local police (911) and fire departments, hospitals, poison control, Safe Return help line (1.888.572.8566) and family members.



• Inform your neighbors of the person's condition. Keep a list of their names and telephone numbers.



• Make multiple copies of a recent close-up photo. Having a video of the person may also be helpful.



• Keep scented clothing on hand to give to the police. Wearing plastic gloves, store a piece of the person's unwashed clothing in a bag in the freezer. Replace it monthly to retain the scent.
• Prepare a list of the person's identifying characteristics. Include: age, height, weight, hair color, blood type, eye color, identifying marks, medical condition, medication, dental work, jewelry, allergies and complexion.



• Prepare a list of the person's doctors and dentists

back to top

• Check the immediate vicinity



• Call the police (911)



• Let them know if the person is enrolled in the Safe Return Program and wearing the bracelet or necklace. Let the police know whether the person is right-handed or left-handed.



• Contact Safe Return at 1.888.572.8566



• Notify people to assist in the search. These can include neighbors, family, friends and community groups (such as your church or clubs you may belong to).



• Have someone stay by the phone and keep the line open as much as possible. If many outgoing calls need to be made, try to use a neighbor's phone.



• Try to think of all the possible places the missing person could go or be trying to get to and have them searched. These could include previous residences, places of employment, local shops, houses of worship, senior centers, bars, etc.

back to top

The following are resources to help you find additional information and products to help prevent wandering.

Keywords to type into your search engine:

• Wandering Patient Security Systems
• Wandering Alzheimer's Patient
• Safety Products for the Elderly
• Home Safety Products

Internet Sites

• www.alzstore.com - Alzheimer's Store for applicable products
• www.medicalshoponline.com

Resource Book

"The Complete Guide to Alzheimer's-Proofing your Home" by Mark Warner

Sources: This information is based on materials prepared by the National Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, Inc., and the National Capital Area Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

back to top