Dementia Wandering 101: Causes, Risks & Prevention Tips

What is Wandering in Dementia?

This Dementia Wandering 101 guide will help caregivers understand why wandering happens, the risks involved, and practical strategies to keep loved ones safe. Wandering occurs when a person with dementia moves with what appears to be no clear destination, though they typically have a purpose in mind.

Your loved one might be searching for something meaningful from their past, responding to physical needs, or following through on an old routine like “going to work”—even years after retirement.

While they may feel confident in their actions, this behavior creates significant safety concerns. Individuals who wander may become disoriented even in once-familiar surroundings, venture into hazardous areas, or be unable to find their way back home. Worse, they might wander out during dangerous weather conditions or at unsafe hours of the day or night.

Nearly 60% of people with dementia will wander at some point. Recognizing the early signs and understanding personal wandering triggers allows caregivers to implement appropriate safety measures while still respecting dignity and independence.

Why Do People with Dementia Wander?

In Dementia Wandering 101, we explore why individuals with dementia wander and how to recognize early signs. Wandering in dementia is complex, and while the exact causes are not fully understood, certain patterns and triggers can increase the likelihood of wandering.

Recognizing these common triggers can help caregivers anticipate and reduce wandering incidents.

• Confusion & Disorientation
  Memory loss can make familiar places feel unfamiliar, leading to uncertainty about location, time, or activities.
• Searching for Something Familiar
  Many individuals attempt to find past homes, workplaces, or loved ones, following memories from earlier life.
• Following Old Routines
  They may try to “go to work,” pick up children, or complete tasks that were once part of daily life.
• Physical Discomfort or Needs
  Hunger, thirst, pain, or needing the bathroom can lead to movement if they can’t express their needs verbally.
• Anxiety & Restlessness
  Feelings of stress, overstimulation, or confinement can cause pacing or an urge to leave.
• Medication Side Effects
  Certain medications may increase confusion or agitation, making wandering more likely.
• Environmental Changes
  Unfamiliar surroundings, loud noises, or disruptions in routine can contribute to wandering behaviors.

Wandering can happen at any stage of dementia, but it becomes more frequent in moderate to advanced stages.

The Risks of Wandering

• Getting Lost – Even in familiar places, individuals with dementia may not recognize their surroundings or find their way back.
• Injuries, Falls, and Mobility Challenges – Dementia can affect balance, coordination, and depth perception, increasing the risk of falls, fractures, and serious injuries.
• Weather Exposure – Wandering outdoors in extreme heat, cold, or rain can lead to dehydration, hypothermia, or heatstroke.
• Vulnerability to Unsafe Situations – Individuals with dementia may struggle to recognize dangerous areas, traffic, or strangers who may take advantage of their confusion.

Time is critical. Studies show that if a person with dementia is not found within 24 hours, the risk of serious injury or death increases significantly.

Proactive prevention strategies can help caregivers reduce these risks. Implementing structured routines, home safety modifications and the right technology can help create a safer environment.

For a full breakdown of wandering prevention strategies, read our Wandering Prevention Guide

Common Triggers for Wandering

• Unfamiliar or Crowded Places – New locations, busy areas, or overwhelming sensory environments can cause confusion and anxiety, leading to wandering.
• Stressful Situations or Loud Noises – High levels of noise, overstimulation, or feeling rushed can trigger agitation and restlessness, increasing the likelihood of wandering.
• Time of Day (Sundowning Syndrome) – Many people with dementia experience increased confusion, agitation, and restlessness in the late afternoon or evening, leading to a higher risk of wandering.
• Changes in Routine or Environment – Moving to a new home, staying somewhere unfamiliar, or even small changes in furniture placement can cause disorientation and increase wandering behavior.

Making home adjustments and using smart safety technology can reduce wandering risks. Door alarms, motion sensors, and smart locks help caregivers monitor movement while maintaining a secure environment.

Explore the best GPS trackers, alarms, and smart home solutions in our Wandering Safety Technology Guide →

Strategies to Prevent Dementia Wandering

Establish a Structured Routine

Maintaining a predictable daily schedule can minimize confusion and restlessness.

• Follow set times for meals, activities, and sleep.
• Introduce changes gradually to avoid distress.
• Engage in familiar, purposeful activities like sorting items or listening to music.

Create a Safe Home Environment

Home adjustments can significantly improve dementia wandering safety.

• Install door alarms & motion sensors to receive alerts.
• Use high or disguised locks to prevent unsafe exits.
• Cover exits with curtains or use decals to reduce exit-seeking behavior.

Reduce Anxiety & Environmental Triggers

Anxiety, overstimulation, or restlessness can increase wandering behaviors.

• Minimize loud noises, excessive activity, or clutter.
• Use soft lighting in the evening to ease sundowning symptoms.
• Provide calming activities like puzzles or soft music.

Supporting Comfort & Well-Being

Wandering may stem from physical discomfort or unmet needs like hunger, thirst, pain, or restlessness. While caregivers work hard to meet these needs, dementia can make it difficult for individuals to recognize or express them.

• Check on the Basics Regularly: Make sure they’re not hungry, thirsty, tired, or needing the bathroom. Offer snacks, water, or a rest before they feel the urge to move.
• Comfort and Reassure: Use a soothing tone, a gentle touch, or familiar objects (like a blanket or photo) to ease anxiety or confusion that might spark wandering.
• Watch for Pain: If they’re uncomfortable (e.g., from arthritis or tight shoes), fix it fast—discomfort can push them to walk it off.

Ensuring safety while preventing dangerous wandering requires a balance between security and accessibility. Measures like door alarms, motion sensors, and GPS tracking can help reduce risk without creating barriers that could pose dangers in emergencies, such as fires. Smart locks that unlock when alarms are triggered, secured outdoor spaces, and caregiver monitoring offer safer alternatives to locked doors or physical restraints, allowing for both protection and freedom.

Hope you have found our Dementia Wandering 101 Helpful.