Preventing Wandering and Agitation in Dementia: Strategies for Safer, Calmer Care

Caring for seniors with dementia often means navigating challenging behaviors like wandering and agitation. These symptoms can be distressing for both the senior and their caregivers, but with the right strategies, they can often be reduced or prevented. Wandering and agitation are common behaviors in dementia and require tailored strategies to manage effectively. Agitation in dementia can present as restlessness, irritability, or even aggression and is often triggered by unmet needs, environmental factors, or changes in routine. Understanding the root causes of these behaviors—and how to respond—can help create a safer, more supportive environment for those living with dementia.

Establish a Structured Daily Routine:

• • Create a predictable schedule with consistent times for meals, activities, rest, and bedtime to reduce confusion and restlessness.

• • Incorporate calming activities, such as reading or listening to soothing music, before naps or bedtime.

Provide Meaningful Activities:

• • Engage the person in tasks or hobbies they enjoy, such as gardening, folding laundry, painting, or listening to familiar music.

• • Offer activities that provide a sense of purpose, like helping to set the table or organizing items.

• • Encourage sensory activities, such as handling familiar objects or looking through photo albums.

Promote Physical Activity:

• • Incorporate regular physical exercise, such as walking, light stretches, or dancing, to decrease restlessness.

• • Schedule walks or outdoor time in safe, secure areas to meet their need for movement.

Promote Social Interaction:

• • Encourage social engagement through visits with family, friends, or participation in group activities to reduce loneliness and restlessness.

Address Underlying Triggers:

• • Identify and manage factors that may lead to adverse behaviors, such as hunger, thirst, pain, or the need to use the restroom.

• • Ensure they are comfortable in their environment, adjusting temperature, lighting, or seating as needed.

• • Reduce noise, clutter, and distractions to maintain a calm environment.

Redirection and Communication:

• • If the resident is wandering or becomes upset or agitated, calmly redirect their focus to a soothing activity or topic.

• • Avoid arguments or confrontations, instead ensure their safety and validate their feelings, while guiding them toward a more positive state of mind.

• • Avoid creating a sense of confinement or frustration by using positive redirection rather than restricting their movement.

Managing agitation in dementia and preventing wandering requires a compassionate, proactive approach tailored to each individual’s needs. By establishing structure, encouraging meaningful engagement, and creating a calm, supportive environment, caregivers can help reduce distressing behaviors and enhance quality of life. Remember, small adjustments—like incorporating physical activity, addressing basic needs, and using gentle redirection—can make a significant difference. With patience and consistency, it’s possible to navigate these challenges and provide a sense of safety, dignity, and comfort for those living with dementia.