Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. May 2014 Wandering

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. What is wandering? Walking or traveling without a specific purpose. Residents might wander to communicate:  Hunger or thirst  Need for toileting  Pain  Boredom or loneliness May 2014Wandering

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Who is most likely to wander? Wandering is a common behavior among people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.  60 percent of Alzheimer’s patients will wander at some point.  Most common in mid- and late-stages of disease.  Social personalities are more likely to wander. May 2014Wandering

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Dangers of wandering Residents who wander are more likely to:  Fall or become injured  Use medications that affect the neurological system  Leave a facility unsupervised  Experience foot problems Elopement: when a person leaves a facility unsupervised and unnoticed. May 2014Wandering

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Wandering triggers  Physical pain  Hunger, thirst, or need to use the toilet  Uncomfortable room temperature  A chaotic noisy environment  Changes in routine  Anxiety or fear May 2014Wandering

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Special needs of wandering residents  Adequate nutrition and hydration.  Properly fitted shoes and regular foot checks.  A comprehensive fall prevention plan.  Regular checks to ensure they do not leave the facility. May 2014Wandering

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Categories of wandering  Random wandering  Pacing  Lapping Understanding these patterns can provide hints about how to better meet residents’ needs May 2014Wandering

Copyright © 2014 Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Tips for managing wandering  Ensure the residents gets enough exercise.  Provide time for social interaction.  Interact with the resident to prevent boredom.  Notify the nurse about any changes in frequency or pattern of wandering. May 2014Wandering