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ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Dementia is a cruel disease that robs people of their memories and leads to cognitive impairment. Disease progression usually brings a decline in thinking skills and a reduction in patients’ abilities to perform daily tasks.

As dementia worsens, loved ones and caretakers must take special precautions to make sure patients do not wander away from their homes.

“We hear these stories so often about patients wandering, becoming disoriented with their surroundings. So it’s very important to make sure that you monitor where they are in the home. Keep an eye on them. Make sure that homes are secure and that they cannot get out,” said Robin Reid, Program Manager, Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter.

The Alzheimer’s Association suggests the following measures to reduce the likelihood that a dementia patient will wander away from home:

• Lock doors and windows  
• Do not leave patients alone  
• Make patients feel safe, calm 
• Patients should not be allowed to drive as disease progresses 
• Make sure caregivers have emergency numbers handy 

“And also in terms of internal locks within the home, make sure that they do not lock themselves, you know, in a room or in a space where they cannot get out of,” said Reid.

For more information on home safety tips, visit the Alzheimer’s Association.

Reid also stresses that as the disease progresses, Alzheimer’s and dementia patients should not be driving, even short distances.

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“They could become disoriented, as to how to get there, how to get back home. So, you know, even though it may seem a short distance, or you may think, well, you know, ‘They’re just, they’re just going down the, you know, driveway to the mailbox,’ They could even wander away from just that close to the home,” Reid warns. “So it’s very important to understand the progression of the disease again. And, you know, don’t assume too much. Just be very mindful.”

But Reid also said it’s important caregivers build a community of support.

One suggestion is to let neighbors know if you are caring for a loved with dementia.

That way, if they see your loved one outside the home, they can contact you and possibly prevent the patient from wandering away.

But building community is also important for the well-being of caretakers.

“If you’re a caregiver and you’re in the home constantly, you’re the only one there with the loved one, you will need respite,” Reid said. “You will need rest. So it’s important not to try to handle all of it by yourself.”

Single caregivers can find access to local resources by visiting the Alzheimer’s Association’s website.

“There are resources such as adult daycare centers,” said Reid. “There are long-term overnight opportunities where the caregiver can maybe get away for a weekend and they can leave their loved one overnight with professional caregivers in a long-term situation.”

Reid also reminds caregivers that the Alzheimer’s Association has a 24-7 helpline that caregivers can call: 1-800-272-3900. It’s staffed by professionals who can also connect caregivers with resources in their communities.

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