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Assisted Living Wandering Residents – Reasons & Management


Why Residents Wander
Wandering is extremely prevalent in residents who are suffering from some degree of cognitive impairment such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. It’s estimated that 60% of all residents with these diseases will wander, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Residents may attempt to wander or leave the facility for a variety of reasons that may not always be immediately apparent. Factors that may causes a resident elopement include:- Agitation, anxiety, boredom, or stress
- Disorientation
- Previously established daily patterns, such as leaving to go to work
- Associations - seeing a door or coat
Why is Wandering a Problem in an Aged Care Facility?
Wandering patients in residential aged care facilities present a number of problems, including the following:- Danger to patients
- Danger to staff and visitors
- Disruption of facility operations
- Interruption of patient privacy and independence