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Caregiver Tip Sheets
Getting Lost
People with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can get lost outside of
their home. Sometimes they wander away in a public place. They
may go for a walk or to the store and not be able to find their way
home. They may not remember their address or phone number.
Getting lost is scary and can be dangerous.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
WHY DOES
THIS HAPPEN? BE PREPARED
People with Alzheimer’s or • get a MedicAlert® bracelet for your person with dementia
dementia might: • sew or write his or her name and your phone number onto clothes
• don’t leave him or her alone near an unlocked door
• be confused… mainly in
the afternoon or evening • ask your neighbors to keep an eye out and tell you if they see your
person with dementia outside alone or walking away from home
• feel fearful… home may • help him or her exercise during the day… take a walk or dance
not seem the same to music
• try to go somewhere they • put away purses, coats, keys, sunglasses… things that might
used to go often — work, make your person think about leaving
church, etc. • close the curtains so he or she doesn’t think about going out
• attempt to get away from MAKE HOME A SAFE PLACE
noise or too much activity
• put child-proof locks on doors, gates, and windows
• be bored — not having • place locks very high or low so your person with dementia can’t
anything to do see or reach the locks
• place a bell on doors, gates, or windows so you know if they
• have a reaction to a new
medicine are opened
BE COMFORTING
• offer food or do something that will take his or her mind off
wanting to leave
• ask for help… folding clothes, making dinner, etc.
844.HELP. ALZ
AlzheimersLA.org • sit quietly with him or her… listen to music or watch a TV show
© 2016 Alzheimer’s Los Angeles
Supported by DHHS, ACL (#90AL0002-01-00)
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