husband and wife standing together in front yard

Keeping Your Loved One Safe

Alzheimer’s disease causes changes in the brain that may affect safety. Depending on the stage of the disease, this can include changes in judgment, abstract thinking, sense of time/place and behavior. Taking measures to ensure safety at all times can help prevent injuries, and it can help people with dementia feel relaxed and less overwhelmed.

Be Prepared In Case Your Loved One Goes Missing

  • Have current photo and basic personal information like height, weight, and identification markers.

  • Know favorite places, commonly taken routes, etc.

  • Ask folks in the neighborhood to call you if they see the person with dementia alone.

  • Remember that tracking devices and wearables can be taken off.

  • Keep a recently worn article of clothing in a sealed plastic bag. Touch it as little as possible and replace at least once a month. This will help with the canine search.

  • Create a phone tree that can be activated in case the person goes missing.

SAFETY

When Wandering Happens

Wandering is not mindless walking.
It can happen at any time. People with dementia can become easily confused or overwhelmed, making them more susceptible to getting lost.

Pages in the Caring for a Person with Memory Loss section