Wandering Prevention Guide: Strategies to Keep Seniors Safe

Caring for a loved one who wanders can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Nearly 60% of people with dementia will wander at some point, putting them at serious risk. The good news? Combining practical routines, environmental changes, and supportive technology can make a meaningful difference.

This guide will walk you through why wandering happens, how to reduce risks, and what to do if your loved one goes missing—offering real-world strategies and trusted tools you can start using today.

Why Does Wandering Happen?

Understanding why your loved one wanders is the first step toward prevention. Wandering isn’t just about getting lost—it’s often triggered by confusion, unmet needs, restlessness, or anxiety.

Common Reasons for Wandering:

• Confusion about time or place: They may think they need to go to work or return to a childhood home.
• Searching for a person or object: They might be looking for a spouse, pet, or a familiar setting.
• Restlessness or anxiety: A need for movement, especially in unfamiliar environments.
• Boredom or lack of activity: Wandering can be a way to self-soothe or seek stimulation.
• Disorientation due to dementia progression: Once-familiar places can feel strange and confusing.

How to Reduce the Risk of Wandering

There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but layering prevention strategies can significantly reduce wandering risks while preserving your loved one’s dignity and independence.

1. Make Home a Safe Space

• Install door alarms and motion sensors to alert you when exits are used.
• Use smart locks or high-placed locks to make unauthorized exits harder.
• Remove trip hazards by clearing clutter and securing rugs.
• Create visual deterrents like black mats or curtains to discourage exit-seeking behavior.

Explore the Best Locks and Alarms for Dementia Wandering Safety

2. Establish a Daily Routine

• Stick to regular mealtimes, activities, and rest periods to reduce confusion.
• Engage them in meaningful activities such as folding laundry, sorting objects, or listening to music.
• Schedule supervised outdoor walks to satisfy the need for movement while ensuring safety.

3. Meet Basic Needs to Prevent Triggers

• Ensure they are fed, hydrated, rested, and comfortable.
• Make bathrooms easily accessible to reduce confusion and urgency.
• Reduce anxiety with soft music, familiar objects, or gentle reassurance.

When basic needs are met, there’s often less drive for unplanned movement.

4. Layer Supportive Technology for Safety

Technology can offer caregivers extra layers of protection without taking away independence.

Helpful Technologies to Consider:

• Wearable GPS trackers: Watches, pendants, or shoe inserts that provide real-time location updates.
• Non-wearable trackers: Discreet clip-on or keychain GPS devices.
• Door and motion alarms: Alerts when exits are opened or movement is detected.
• Smart home solutions: Smart locks, cameras, and voice alerts integrated into home systems.

Choosing the right tech solutions depends on your loved one’s habits and your caregiving routine. Layering tools over time allows you to build a flexible safety net.

See the Full Wandering Tech Guide Here

Choose the Best GPS Trackers for Dementia

What to Do If Your Loved One Wanders

Even with the best prevention, wandering can happen. Having a plan can make all the difference.

If your loved one goes missing:

• Search the immediate area: Start nearby; most seniors are found within 1.5 miles.
• Alert neighbors and local businesses: Share a recent photo.
• Use GPS or Smart Devices: Check last known locations.
• Contact Authorities Immediately: Call 911 and inform them that your loved one has dementia.
• Stay calm and use an emergency plan: Keep a printed emergency sheet with recent photos, medical information, and preferred search locations.

To prepare for a wandering event: Download Our Free Wandering Prep Kit

Final Thoughts

Reducing wandering risk isn’t about finding a perfect solution — it’s about building thoughtful layers of safety that evolve over time. Small changes to the environment, consistent routines, and supportive technologies can offer real protection while helping your loved one maintain dignity and independence.

You’re already taking powerful steps just by learning and planning. Wherever you are in your caregiving journey, you don’t have to walk it alone.

Ready for next steps?

Take the Wandering Risk Quiz Here

Browse the Wandering Support Shop for Wandering Safety and Prevention Tools

Explore the Full Wandering Tech Guide

The information provided by WanderWise is intended for general guidance only and does not replace personalized medical advice. Always consult with healthcare professionals for individualized recommendations.