Persons with dementia exhibit distressed behavior like agitation, restlessness, disorientation, confusion, hallucinations –see, hear, feel or taste something that isn’t there, wandering, etc. The brain damage that happens in dementia is mainly responsible for this distressed behavior. Creating a relaxing environment is very important to help minimize these behaviors and make them feel calm and be able to concentrate.

Reduce Noise– Loud Sounds from TV, radio or even background noise can trigger agitated behavior. Silence can also sometimes make them disoriented. At times like that try having some gentle calming music or small chatter.

Decorate carefully – Home furnishings can unwittingly cause distress for people with dementia. For example, they may mistake their own reflection in a mirror for that of a stranger watching them, which is a very frightening experience. Either remove all mirrors or cover them with a roller blind that can be pulled down when the mirror is not in use. 

Improve lighting – lighting is very important for people with dementia. Keep all rooms well lit. Use natural light as much as possible. Ensure that all items are easily visible. Shadows can be misinterpreted as something or someone threatening, leading a person with dementia to feel distressed and scared.

create a calming retreat – It is important that dementia patients have a calming place to retreat when they feel stressed or anxious. This doesn’t have to be a large area, it can even be a comfy chair and a small table where they can do their soothing activities like painting or a dementia jigsaw puzzle.  

Make things easy to find – For someone living with dementia, losing items can be very stressful. Therefore, it is a good idea to ensure that items are easy to find and within reaching distance. This will encourage a person with dementia to be independent where possible, and help eliminate any stress they may feel when looking for something

When someone with dementia repeatedly says “I want to go home” even when they are at home, it is often a request for comfort than literally asking to go somewhere. Reassure and respond in a calm and positive manner validating their needs and feelings. Give them a soothing blanket or a therapy doll or a stuffed animal to hug and feel comforted. 

Wandering away and getting lost is a serious issue with dementia patients and major worry for the family. There are many reasons why someone with Alzheimer’s might wander including – Fear or stress – they might not recognize where they are, the environment is overstimulating, or a loud noise or confusing situation could upset them.

Basic needs – they might be looking for food, a bathroom, or just want to get some fresh air.

Searching – they might get lost while looking for someone or something.

Boredom – they could be looking for something to do.

Old routines – they might be trying to go to work, do chores, or run errands like they used to.

Identifying the triggers and addressing them and making it difficult for the people with dementia to get out of their homes is essential to preventing wandering.