If you have an aging loved one, you may have noticed that they tend to wander. If you haven’t seen this behavior yet, don’t worry; it’s common and can be addressed. Communities of assisted living care in Chipley, TX knows that wandering is a concern and has taken steps to prevent it from happening as often as possible. They do this by creating a home-like environment for residents, monitoring their activity and training caregivers to deal with wandering behavior if and when it happens.
Door Alarms
A door alarm is a device that attaches to the door frame, and it sounds when the door opens. This alert can be heard by caregivers and family members—or anyone else who might be in the vicinity. The alarm can be used with or without a caregiver present.
Families need to understand that this does not mean they’ll always know where their loved one is at all times. However, if your loved one has wandered off before, they’ll likely do so again (this isn’t meant to scare you or make you feel guilty). The goal of the door alarm system is to let others know when there may be an issue with wandering behavior before anything happens.
Anti-Wandering Tracking Devices
One of the most effective ways to prevent wandering is using an anti-wandering tracking device. These devices can be placed on a person’s wrist or ankle and send out an alert if they leave a designated area. Typically, these alerts are sent to family members, who can pick up the wanderer from wherever they may be. These devices are also helpful in finding missing people with dementia in case they wander away from home without their families knowing about it.
Wandering Security Systems
If your loved one is prone to wandering, installing a security system in their room is a good idea. The system will allow you to track their whereabouts and alert you if they leave the building. This can prevent incidents like wandering outside while unsupervised, which could lead to dangerous situations.
For those who may not want the hassle of installing something like this on their own, assisted living communities often offer these systems for free as part of an all-inclusive package that includes other services such as meals and transportation. In addition, some communities have team members whose sole responsibility is keeping track of where each resident is at all times—and if they’re ever missing from their rooms (or outside), the team will alert appropriate parties immediately so that action can be taken promptly!
The Team Is Trained to Deal with Wandering
Your loved one’s caretakers must know what to do if they see a wanderer. They should be trained in how to handle wandering and how to react to the residents who are not responsive when found.
It’s also important for you to understand these signs and symptoms to ensure that your loved one receives proper care from their assisted living community team.
Conclusion
Wandering is a challenge for many seniors, but it can be managed with the right tools. Assisted living communities are equipped with the proper tools to help reduce wandering and improve safety for your loved one. If you have questions or concerns about senior memory care in Chipley, TX, please contact us at 361-223-9142 or visit our website today!
