In Winter, 6 Wandering Prevention Strategies for Dementia Caregivers

An expert shares six strategies to help caregivers prevent wandering in dementia during the cold, dark winter season.

While wandering in dementia can happen any time of year, winter brings new challenges. According to experts at the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, someone who wanders can quickly become lost or disoriented, unable to remember how to get back home, or know how, or who, to call for help — and that’s all the scarier a situation with freezing temperatures and shorter days. People living with dementia might also leave home without dressing appropriately for the weather, adding risks like hypothermia, injuries from slipping on ice, and reduced visibility to an already precarious situation. Snow can obscure familiar landmarks, making it harder for someone to find their way back.

“Wandering or getting lost can affect anyone living with dementia, and the dangers are magnified right now in cold, winter weather areas. It’s essential for family caregivers to know the risk factors and warning signs that can lead to wandering, address them, and create an emergency response plan,” said AFA Director of Educational and Social Services Jennifer Reeder. “Taking action now will help families keep their loved ones living with dementia safe during the winter and throughout the year.”

What is wandering in dementia?

Wandering happens when changes in the brain disrupt memory, reasoning, and awareness. This behavior is often linked to disorientation, confusion, or an urge to follow old routines. There are several common reasons behind this behavior:

• Confusion about time or place: Some may think they need to “go home” or return to a former job — even if they’re already in a safe environment.
• Unmet needs: A person might wander while looking for a bathroom, food, or comfort.
• Restlessness or energy: Dementia can sometimes cause restlessness — and wandering may be a way to relieve it.
• Stress and anxiety: Crowded or unfamiliar places can make people with dementia feel overwhelmed and prompt them to leave.
• Memory recall: In some cases, wandering could be linked to a desire to recreate a memory, or complete a task that made sense in the past.

The risks of this behavior are compounded in the winter   Darkness also sets in earlier during winter months, reducing visibility and complicating search efforts if someone becomes lost.

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5 ways to help prevent wandering

According to Reeder at the AFA, there are several research-supported strategies can help caregivers manage and reduce the risk of wandering. Many of these focus on addressing the underlying causes and creating a safer environment:

1. Prep for winter conditions. Winter weather poses additional challenges for caregivers of people living with dementia, but a little prep can go a long way. Dressing loved ones in warm, layered clothing and sturdy footwear helps protect against the cold and reduce the risk of slipping on icy surfaces. Experts recommend clearing snow and ice from walkways to minimize fall hazards, and keeping blankets, flashlights, and other emergency supplies on hand for unexpected situations, like power outages.

Takeaways:

• Make sure your person has warm, layered clothing and appropriate footwear if spending time outside in the winter.
• Clear snow and ice from walkways to reduce the risk of falls.
• Keep blankets, flashlights, and emergency supplies easily accessible.

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2. Pay attention to nonverbal cues. Wandering often stems from unmet needs or emotions that the person may not be able to express verbally. Signs such as tugging on clothing might indicate a need to use the bathroom, while pacing could suggest anxiety or restlessness. Recognizing these cues and addressing them quickly can make a big difference, experts say. Wandering might also be a form of communication, especially if verbal skills are impaired. Watching for signs of fear, stress, or overstimulation and offering reassurance can help prevent wandering.

Takeaways:

• Ensure your person has the food, water, and regular bathrooms breaks they need to keep them comfortable.
• Pay attention to signs of discomfort or anxiety that could lead to wandering.
• A predicable routine can help reduce a person’s confusion and anxiety. If you don’t already, try instigating a predictable daily schedule.
• Engaging activities like puzzles, music, or light physical exercise can help address restlessness.

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3. Make the home a safe space. Certain items, like car keys, coats, or bags left near doors, can act as visual prompts for someone to leave unexpectedly. Keeping these items out of sight can reduce the risk. Installing door alarms, motion sensors, or smart doorbells that send alerts to a caregiver can add another layer of security. These tools can be especially useful for preventing someone from exiting unnoticed.

Takeaways:

• Use door locks that are difficult to open or place them out of sight.
• Install motion detectors or door alarms to alert caregivers if someone is leaving the house.
• Consider using safety gates to block access to certain areas.

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4. Understand your person’s patterns and triggers. Many people with dementia have specific times of day when they are more prone to wandering. Identifying these patterns and planning engaging activities during these periods can help redirect their focus. Ensuring good sleep hygiene can also reduce nighttime wandering. Keeping a log of wandering incidents—including when and where they occur—can provide valuable insights for future planning.

5. Pin down a safety plan. Being prepared can make a significant difference in an emergency. Keep important information, such as a recent, close-up photo of your person, their medical details, and a list of familiar places the person might go, readily available. Share this information with neighbors and ask them to alert you if they see your loved one outside alone. Involving the person with dementia in safety planning, when possible, helps to promote a sense of security.

Takeaways:

• Encourage your person to wear an ID bracelet with their name and emergency contact information.
• Consider GPS devices or smartwatches to track their location.
• Keep a recent photo on hand to share with others if the person becomes lost.

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6. Put community resources to use. Many communities have programs, such as Project Lifesaver, that allow families to voluntarily enroll a loved one to receive locating technology that first responders can activate if the person goes missing. Contact your local public safety agency to see if they offer this service or one that is similar. Contact local law enforcement or community organizations to learn about similar services in your area. For people with further questions, Reeder recommends AFA’s Helpline, staffed by licensed social workers specifically trained in dementia care, available seven days a week by phone (866-232-8484), text message (646-586-5283), and web chat.

Takeaways:

• Keep neighbors and local authorities in the loop about your person’s condition and the risk of wandering.
• Consider a dementia-inclusive community program or support group to build up your access to support.

Even if you take all these steps, Reeder says, wandering can certainly still happen. If a person does wander — especially in extreme weather — it’s important to act quickly. Experts recommend starting the search in familiar places, like previous homes or favorite locations. Contacting local authorities immediately can boost the chances of finding the person fast — and GPS devices can be invaluable in tracking their whereabouts.