Wandering in Dementia: A Practical Guide for Caregivers

Understanding the Risk

Wandering is common in dementia—and it can occur at any stage. Around 6 in 10 people with dementia will wander at least once, and many multiple times 

It may be triggered by confusion, unmet needs (like hunger or toileting), restlessness, or a desire to fulfill past responsibilities or “go home” 

Signs a Person May Be at Risk

Watch for:

Returning late from walks or drives

Forgetting familiar routes or places

Talking about past obligations or trying to “go home” when already at home

Restlessness, pacing, or repetitive motions

Difficulty finding known rooms, or asking about old friends or routines

Strategies to Reduce Wandering Risk

Daily Routine & Engagement

Offer structured, meaningful activities throughout the day to reduce anxiety and restlessness. 

Include exercise and safe walking. Often wandering may be a result of an unmet need for activity.

Identify times when wandering is more likely (e.g., sundowning in early evening) and plan calming tasks or exercise during those times

Ensure basic needs—toileting, nutrition, hydration—are met 

Involve the person in daily activities such as folding laundry or helping prepare meals 

Environmental Safety (Prepare Your Home)

Use night-lights to reduce confusion in dim lighting 

Camouflage exits: use cloth covers or paint door knobs and doors the same as walls; you can also use curtains or screens to blend them visually

Apply black tape or paint thresholds as a visual cue to stop 

Install bells or monitoring alarms on doors, or pressure-sensitive mats to alert movement 

Use fences, hedges, safety gates, or brightly colored netting to secure outdoor areas or stairs 

Label doors with signs or symbols indicating their function 

Remove or hide items that could prompt exit-seeking, like coats, hats, keys, or wallets

Do not leave a person with dementia unsupervised in a new or unfamiliar setting

Never lock a person in at home
 

Planning Ahead (Wandering Response Preparedness)

Keep a recent close-up photo of your loved one available for police or community sharing 

Enroll in a wandering response service, such as MedicAlert + Safe Return

Identify danger zones nearby—bodies of water, stairs, busy roads, or dense foliage 

Make a list of places your loved one is likely to wander to, such as former home, job, or favorite spots 

Establish a check-in routine, such as set times to call or visit each day

Arrange for a backup companion when you're not available

If Someone Goes Missing

Act immediately—many are located within 1.5 miles of where they disappeared 

Search thoughtfully: check each direction, beginning with dominant-hand side—wanderers often follow their dominant hand’s trajectory 

Focus on hiding spots like brush, tree lines, or out-of-the-way areas 

If not found within ~15 minutes, call 911 and request a Silver Alert, if available 

Notify neighbors, friends, and local police quickly; share recent photo and last known whereabouts 

Official Resource Links

Alzheimer’s Association – Wandering Alzheimer’s Association+1

Cleveland Clinic