According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 60% of those with Alzheimer’s or dementia will wander. Anyone with memory problems, that is ambulatory, is at risk for wandering. People at any stage of Alzheimer’s or dementia can get confused or disoriented, even in familiar places.
You can help your families be prepared if their loved one wanders away. The National Institute on Aging has put together a brief fact sheet with tips to safeguard against wandering: Alzheimer’s Caregiver Tips: Wandering.
Who should be worried about wandering? Check this page from the Alzheimer’s Association about who is at risk and ways to mitigate elopement events.
The Alzheimer’s Association has a nationwide emergency response service called Safe Return. It works in collaboration with MedicAlert and provides membership for 24/7 emergency response. Learn more here: Safe Return.
Local Sheriff Departments in San Diego and South Orange County offer a free registry called the Take Me Home Program to assist those with dementia in a timely reunification with loved ones. It only takes minutes to enroll someone in the Take Me Home Program online: