First experience with wandering

annie51

Woke up at 1:45 this morning with DH missing. First time he’s ever done anything like this. Sheriff’s office had helicopter going, canine units, added bloodhounds, silver alert, the works. So scary! They found him at around 9 about 4 miles away.
He used to always carry his wallet which I had an AirTag in, but stopped carrying anything in his pockets. I never thought about AirTag in the shoes before (suggestion from the deputy) but since he always has his shoes on, this should work. Also ordered a door alarm. I hope this was a one-off but I’m afraid this might be a new normal. 😞
I toured my first MC facility the other day as my plan B. I guess I need to think more seriously about that.

harshedbuzz

I am so sorry. My friend had this a few times with her mom. Her mom shuffled slowly during the day, but at night in their neighborhood (still under construction with no street lighting) she moved at a quick clip.

They did motion detection mats and alarmed doors.

Russinator

((HUGS))

CindiEC

I had door alarms and also purchased baby proof cover for door handles.

annie51

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/247766#Comment_247766

Thanks for the tip on the door handle covers. I’ll look at those.

Chammer

Another suggestion I've seen is to put a large black floor mat in front of the door as visual changes cause the PWD to see it as a hole.

Jgirl57

oh my! So sorry to hear this. ((( HUGS)))

Aarron

I had door alarms and bells on bedroom doors

blacksparky

I started with door alarms but had to end up getting double keyed deadbolts put on the entry doors.

Lisamarie62

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/73493/first-experience-with-wandering

How long has you DH had ALZ?

LearningCurve

That is something I need to give more thought to, yikes. I am the sole carer of my DH and am seeing his Alz progress. Since I have a severe hearing loss, I know I would not hear anything at night. I wear hearing aids during the day. Hopefully our 2 dogs would be my alert system. I sure like the different alarm ideas. Appreciate these posts so much!

CampCarol

This must have been so frightening for you, I’m so happy he’s ok. Glad you have some interim ideas to help and that you’re developing a Plan “B” just in case. Good luck!

Deepsea

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/73493/first-experience-with-wandering

Glad he was found safe. The AirTag in the shoes is a great idea and the door alarm sounds like a great precaution too, thanks for sharing that tip. Looking into memory care as a “plan B” is wise

annie51

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/247795#Comment_247795

Sorry but I missed this question. I noticed symptoms 7 years ago but diagnosis was 4 years ago.

H1235

I have read that door locks high on the door will be difficult for people with dementia to see. Apparently there is a tendency for people with dementia to not look up. I read it in a recent post somewhere in here.