Unsafe Wandering
- rbenn7
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
What is wandering?
Wandering is a common behavior in the middle stages of dementia. It involves a purposeful attempt to leave one place to go somewhere else, often because the person believes they need to be at work, care for a loved one, or return "home"—even if they are already there. Because dementia affects memory and judgment, wandering can become unsafe if a person leaves home alone and becomes confused or lost. For caregivers, wandering can be especially stressful, requiring ongoing supervision while also trying to understand the unmet need behind the behavior.
What causes wandering?
There is no single cause of wandering. It may be triggered by changes in routine or caregivers, a lack of meaningful activity, unfamiliar surroundings, searching for familiar people or places, unmet needs such as hunger or social connection, sleep disturbances, or sundowning. Wandering is usually purposeful rather than aimless, so identifying the underlying need can help guide a response.
What can I do if I am concerned about wandering?
Planning structured daily activities, maintaining a consistent routine, meeting physical and emotional needs, and arranging outings with a companion can help reduce wandering. Safety measures such as door chimes or motion-sensitive cameras may also provide added peace of mind. Caring Kind NYC also offers the Wanderer's Safety Program. Through grant funding, eligible New York City residents can receive a free bracelet or necklace that helps emergency responders identify a person living with dementia and reach emergency contacts. Call 646.744.2900 or visit https://caringkindnyc.org/maws for more information.
Learn more about wandering from the Alzheimer's Association:
Published in the Memory Center newsletter August 2026.
