How Common Wandering Is and Warning Signs

Six in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once. The Alzheimer’s Association lists wandering among middle-stage changes. You can learn more about these stages by exploring our dementia care resources.

You can spot warning signs before your loved one leaves the house. Watch for restlessness or pacing around rooms. They might also return late from a regular walk or drive.

Another common sign is asking to “go home” when they are already sitting in their own living room. Talk to the doctor if you notice these behaviors starting, as wandering often happens alongside evening confusion and sundowning.

Prevention Checklist for Your Home

Securing the environment is your first line of defense against wandering. You can make simple changes to your doors and daily routines to keep your loved one safe. Reviewing home safety for dementia can help you identify other hazards.

• Install new locks: Place latches or deadbolts above or below eye level on your exterior doors. Someone with dementia may not look up or down to find them.
• Use door alarms: Install battery-operated alarms that chime loudly when an exterior door opens. Never lock a person inside the home.
• Remove car keys: Take away the keys if your loved one no longer drives to prevent them from starting a vehicle.
• Improve lighting: Keep night lights on in hallways and bathrooms to reduce confusion in the dark.
• Meet basic needs: Ensure your loved one has regular access to food, fluids, and toileting. Unmet needs can set off restlessness.
• Schedule activities: Plan structured daily activities, especially during the time of day when wandering is most likely.

If you need help keeping your loved one safe at home, New Century Home Care can help. Call 215-974-0000 or contact us online. Choose “I am a client” and then “I need services” on our form. Our office staff speaks English, Russian, and Ukrainian.

Prepare Now: Photos, Places, and Identification

You must prepare for an emergency before it happens. Keep a recent, close-up photograph of your loved one easily accessible. Save a copy on your smartphone and keep a printed version near the front door. First responders will need this image to identify them quickly.

Create a written list of places your loved one might try to visit. People with dementia often walk toward familiar locations from their past. This list should include former workplaces, old homes, favorite parks, or places of worship.

Make sure your loved one carries some form of identification. If they wander, they may not remember their name or address to tell someone who finds them. The Alzheimer’s Association also suggests considering a wandering response service.

If Your Loved One Is Missing in Philadelphia

If you realize your loved one is missing, start searching immediately. Look around your property, check the backyard, and scan the immediate neighborhood. Time is short.

If you cannot find them within 15 minutes, stop searching and call 911. Tell the Philadelphia police dispatcher immediately that the missing person has dementia. Do not wait hours to involve the police.

Share your close-up photo and your list of familiar places with the responding officers. Many people who wander are found within 1.5 miles of where they were last seen. Quick action keeps them close to home.

For additional local support and education, the Alzheimer’s Association Delaware Valley Chapter serves the Philadelphia area. You can call their 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900. If you need help connecting with general aging resources, you can call the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) Helpline at 215-765-9040. However, always dial 911 first if your loved one is in imminent danger.

Supervision at Home

Constant supervision is exhausting for family caregivers. A professional home care aide can watch your loved one during high-risk hours. That helps while you work or rest.

If your loved one qualifies for the Community HealthChoices (CHC) waiver, Personal Assistance Services (PAS) can cover this care. PAS includes supervising people who cannot safely be left alone. Aides also provide cueing and help with daily activities like eating and dressing.

You can explore dementia home care services to learn how an aide supports safe routines at home.

New Century Home Care provides non-medical supervision and personal care in Philadelphia. Call us at 215-974-0000 to discuss your needs. You can also fill out our contact form by selecting “I am a client” and “I need services.”