Dementia is the word used to encompass diseases and injuries that impact cognitive functioning and how well a person can carry out activities of daily living. Alzheimer’s disease accounts for the highest number of dementia cases, yet the signs and symptoms can show themselves from other causes instead, including Lewy body dementia (LBD) or injury.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are usually associated with older adults, although early onset Alzheimer’s disease can happen at younger ages, as can dementia from some other diseases and injuries.

Dementia is broken down into stages because it is progressive, starting with mild dementia symptoms during early-stage dementia and worsening over time, eventually leading to severe dementia symptoms during the late stage.

In this article, we’ll help you see the difference between the stages of dementia as it progresses. This information can help you decide whether to get your parents checked by a medical professional for dementia. Getting a diagnosis can help you provide the right kind of care and planning for each stage.

Dementia Stages

Dementia is categorized into three main stages that show how the disease progresses from early to advanced. You may hear of differing stages, some of which are more technical than others, but in general, healthcare professionals discuss dementia in terms of three stages: early, middle, and late. Here is more information on each stage, with dementia symptoms corresponding to each.

Stage 1: Early

Likely, your loved one would not receive a diagnosis yet at this level. You and your parents likely wouldn’t know about the start of the disease yet because symptoms are not present or noticeable. Nonetheless, there can be some signs of a change. The average period for this early stage of dementia is two years.

The symptoms of this mild stage of dementia can resemble those of normal aging. For example, your loved one could become forgetful and show signs of mild memory loss. They might also get lost, need help figuring out problems and tasks, and have difficulty thinking what to say.

You might also notice changes to their personality and mental state, such as acting withdrawn or showing signs of anxiety or irritation.

Many people in this initial stage of dementia can still be independent and carry out activities of daily living. Nonetheless, dementia may start to impact them a bit. It can be helpful to support your parent or loved one in the areas where they are struggling while still giving them autonomy to take care of the other areas of their life independently.

Stage 2: Middle

As in the first stage of dementia, you may not yet guess that your loved one has dementia when they are in the middle stage. Nonetheless, this is probably the time when you notice more marked dementia symptoms and wonder if something more than normal aging is taking place. The average time frame of this middle stage of dementia is two to four years.

Some of the signs and symptoms you notice in the early stage of dementia will become worse during this stage. For example, it’s likely for their memory to worsen and for the person to have a harder time keeping new memories. It might become more challenging to think of the right words and to orient to the current place and time. Concerns with mental state can also continue and worsen.

You may also notice new signs during this stage. In particular, the person may have trouble understanding what is real and what is not. They may hallucinate and genuinely believe they are experiencing something that is not there. They may also have delusions, which is a symptom that often results in not trusting other people.
The middle stage is also the time when behavior changes generally begin. For example, your loved one could scream more, become agitated, repeat the same behaviors over and over, or act inappropriately in public.

While independence is possible during this stage, your loved one may need additional support compared to the early stage. They may need help remembering and managing activities of daily living, although it is still beneficial to provide independence in some areas of life as much as possible.

Stage 3: Late

This third stage of dementia involves the advanced progression of dementia symptoms. This last stage tends to be shorter than the others because it involves a decline in health and a reduced life expectancy. Nonetheless, it can still last for a year or two.

Memory problems worsen during this stage, and your loved one has more difficulty staying in the here and now. They may have trouble recognizing people and things they used to find familiar and may not even recognize their own reflection.

Your loved one may not realize the time period they are living in and instead think they are living in a previous part of their life. They may continue to hallucinate, delusions, depression, apathy, and other mood and emotional impacts. They may have more trouble with understanding and communicating verbally and connect more to other forms of expression, such as non-verbal communication.

The behavior changes of the previous stage are still common in the later stage. In this stage, the person is more likely to show restlessness and aggression. It is helpful to not take responses like these personally and to try to figure out if the person is experiencing an emotion or need that they are having difficulty expressing. This can help you provide the best care and support.
One of the main differences of this stage is a physical decline that leaves the person needing an extra layer of support from others. Daily activities become more difficult, as people in this stage often have less mobility, struggle more with eating and swallowing, have less control over their continence, and are more likely to fall.

During this late stage of dementia, life becomes more difficult for you and your loved one. They will struggle more with everyday living, and you will need additional professional support. As the disease progresses, you may need continuous support, whether through an at-home caregiver or a community.

Different Ways to Classify Stages of Dementia

Assessments of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease sometimes include more than the three broad stages. For instance, these five stages of Alzheimer’s disease may sometimes refer to stages of dementia, especially when dementia is associated with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, as in most cases.

Preclinical Alzheimer’s disease
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease
Mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease
Moderate dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease
Severe dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease

Are Dementia Stages the Same for Everyone?

Not everyone will experience the same dementia symptoms or progression. The three broad stages provide a general guideline for understanding and some signs and symptoms to look for. Each person will follow an individual path.

As mentioned, dementia can result from different diseases or injuries to the brain, so the cause can impact the symptoms and the way it progresses. Other factors impact dementia progress as well. Truthfully, not everyone will survive all of the stages because it is a progressive condition that reduces life expectancy.

When Does a Dementia Diagnosis Happen?

You might wonder whether a healthcare professional will diagnose dementia within a particular stage, but a dementia diagnosis can happen during any of the stages. As you might imagine, people with mild dementia may not always receive a diagnosis yet, as the symptoms could be mistaken for typical signs of aging.

Plus, you and your loved one might take a wait-and-see approach at first. Nonetheless, an early diagnosis can help know what is happening, provide the proper care, and create a plan for moving forward.

Suppose you do not receive an early diagnosis and the signs are missed during the stage of mild cognitive impairment or preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. In that case, they might show themselves more during the moderate dementia stage. This is when you will often see a progression and problems noticeably going beyond normal signs of aging.

Your loved one may even receive a diagnosis during the moderate dementia stage if you decide they need extra care and decide to get them assessed for that.

For anyone who has not yet been diagnosed by the time they show severe dementia signs, the dementia progress should be showing itself enough by this point to warrant a diagnosis. Of course, this requires visiting a qualified health professional to have your loved one assessed.

Receiving a diagnosis can help you get the care you need to support your parents. The assessment can help determine which of the stages of dementia your loved one falls into, which guides the level of care and support they need.

How CarePatrol Can Support You Through the Stages of Dementia

As dementia progresses through the various stages, from mild cognitive impairment to severe dementia, people with this condition generally need more support during day-to-day life. As a loved one, you may be unable to manage the care they need, especially during the middle and late stages. This is where CarePatrol can help.

Memory care is a specialized kind of treatment that addresses the symptoms and needs of people with dementia, and it is especially helpful during the late stage when your loved one may need continuous care and is no longer able to live on their own.

Once your family is ready for memory care, the next step is to find the right solution. CarePatrol helps aging adults and families like yours find safe and quality memory care options at no cost. Our local senior advisors guide you and provide options based on your loved one’s unique needs and preferences. We aim to empower you with the information you need to make informed decisions. It’s never too early to start the conversation. Contact us when you’re ready to learn more about the information and resources available.

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, an opportunity to learn more about this disease that is deadlier than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.  Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. This progressive disease starts with mild memory loss and involves the part of the brain that controls language, thought, and memory, impacting a person’s ability to carry out daily activities.

Research has not determined the exact cause of Alzheimer’s, but it is believed that several factors can play a part in the disease, including:

• Genetics:  Family history may be linked to developing Alzheimer’s, though it is not guaranteed that if someone in your family is affected, you will be, too.  Healthy lifestyle choices like exercise, limiting alcohol consumption, not smoking, and eating a healthy diet may help.
• Age:  This is the best known risk factor for the disease.
• Environmental factors:  Science is studying the potential connection.
• Changes in the brain:  These can happen years before symptoms appear.

Since memory loss is not a normal part of aging, knowing the warning signs is important, especially if you have concerns about a loved one. Someone may experience the following symptoms early in the process:

• Challenges executing familiar tasks at home, work, or during leisure time
• Disruptions in daily life due to memory loss, like repeating questions or becoming lost in a familiar place
• Difficulties paying bills or handling money
• Mood, personality, or behavioral changes
• Losing items and not being able to figure out how to retrace steps to look for them
• Poor judgment

There are many benefits of memory care. Memory Care Communities can benefit someone living with dementia as well as give their families peace of mind.  Often located within larger assisted living facilities or in smaller residential settings, these specialized facilities can provide dementia care for residents with middle to late stage memory loss. The environment is secure, and full of safety features designed to enhance memory function and decrease potential confusion for anyone who lives there.

Memory Care focuses on giving aging adults a safe environment to stay engaged and active in a structured environment.  Features can include art classes, physical therapy, fitness classes, music experiences, and communal dining to help residents stay socially connected.

CarePatrol has been helping families find the right senior care options for their loved ones for over 30 years.  As specialists in the field of aging, CarePatrol Local Senior Care Advisors are able to match older adults to the right communities so they can live their best life, including Assisted Living, Independent Living, Nursing Homes, and Memory Care Communities. Reach out to see how we can help your family today. 

There are promising new treatments being investigated in clinical trials to help those living with memory issues, but there is currently no cure for dementia. However, a care plan can help support caregivers and those with memory concerns. This includes:

• An early diagnosis, which promotes helpful management
• Finding and treating accompanying physical illness
• Education for managing behavior changes
• Maintaining physical health, activity, cognition, and wellness

Thanks to modern technology, there are devices that can effectively help seniors dealing with memory concerns to stay engaged and assist them in living their best lives. We’ve compiled some powerful items that may help an older adult in your life.

CarePatrol is here to help guide you through the senior living care arena. We are able to recommend Memory Care Communities, which provide security and specialized care. We understand how a patient’s needs can change with the progression of the disease and our care providers are prepared to adapt and assist with managing other pre-existing health conditions. All CarePatrol senior placement services are available at no cost to you.

10 Signs It’s Time for Memory Care

1. Difficulty Completing Once-Familiar Tasks

Your loved one is having trouble with activities that used to be easy or routine for them. They may get confused or lost driving to the grocery store, forget how to complete a beloved hobby, or struggle with tasks like bill payment.

How is this different from normal aging?

Older adults may need help setting up a new streaming device or occasionally forget where they parked at the store. If the task was easy before, but new trouble arises, you may want to consider memory care services.

2. Misplacing Items or Being Unable to Retrace Their Steps

Your loved one is putting things in unusual places on a regular basis. They may not be able to think back over their steps to find lost items, and in some cases, may accuse their loved ones of deliberately misplacing or even stealing those items.

How is this different from normal aging?

We’ve all misplaced our keys from time to time. A sign of dementia is when a person can’t think back over their steps to find the lost object or is regularly losing things.

3. Memory Loss that Gets in the Way of Daily Life

Your loved one seems to forget information that they’ve recently learned and has started asking you the same questions repeatedly. They’re missing important events or have been relying on memory aids much more than usual to remind them of dates and appointments.

How is this different from normal aging?

People usually remember the forgotten name or event once someone reminds them. People with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia may not recall ever being told the information.

4. Confusion with Place or Time

Recently, your loved one has had trouble keeping track of the day, or even the season, expressing confusion about events in the past or future. They may not understand where they are or how they arrived there.

How is this different from normal aging?

This symptom goes beyond mixing up a Tuesday for a Wednesday. It’s a genuine misunderstanding of time or place that can deeply affect a person’s sense of stability and control over life. In these cases, residential memory care may be important for their safety.

5. Changes in Personality or Mood

Lately, you’ve noticed that your loved one is acting fearful, suspicious, depressed, or anxious in a way they never have before. They may be getting upset more frequently, especially in unfamiliar situations.

How is this different from normal aging?

It’s normal to be a little irritable when a routine is interrupted, but stark changes in behavior, mood, or personality are warning signs that a care plan could be beneficial.

6. Trouble with Vision and Spatial Relationships

Your family member is having trouble with their vision. They may have diminished peripheral vision, problems distinguishing blues and purples, or trouble judging distance. This could manifest itself in issues with driving, balance, or reading.

How is this different from normal aging?

Alzheimer’s disease can affect a person’s vision even when they have healthy eyes. It’s best to visit an eye doctor to rule out cataracts or other diseases of the eye first.

7. New Challenges with Language

Your loved one stops speaking in the middle of what they were saying, repeats themselves more than usual, or gets lost in conversation. They may become frustrated trying to name an everyday household object or stop joining conversations altogether.

How is this different from normal aging?

Occasional trouble with finding the right word is normal, and we all know a storyteller who loves to repeat the same tales. But if the person seems unaware of their repetition or is acting differently in conversation than usual, they may need additional support.

8. Social Isolation or Withdrawal

Challenges with language may cause your loved one to avoid work, social activities, or familial obligations. Even if they aren’t a social butterfly, the withdrawal is pronounced—they aren’t engaging in conversation or are becoming isolated.

How is this different from normal aging?

Occasional disinterest in social engagements isn’t a cause for concern. But prolonged social isolation can have a profound effect on older adults’ quality of life, so it’s important to be proactive. Memory care residences are a great way to boost social engagement.

9. Challenges in Problem-Solving or Planning

Your loved one has never had trouble following steps and guides like recipes until recently. They may not be able to keep track of bills the way they used to or think through challenges to find a solution.

How is this different from normal aging?

To err is human, and a few mistakes or missteps shouldn’t be cause for alarm. People living with dementia, however, frequently struggle to work with numbers, develop a strategy, or follow a plan.

10. Diminished or Poor Judgment

You’re concerned that your loved one is spending money carelessly, bathing less frequently, or letting the house become dirty long after they normally would have intervened. They’re letting some activities of daily living fall by the wayside.

How is this different from normal aging?

The key factor in all of these signs is change. Any new or unusual changes in judgment should be taken seriously, as they could lead to financial or health-related problems.

Get Personalized Help from a Senior Care Advisor

At CarePatrol, we understand that making the decision about assisted living and memory care facilities isn’t as easy as checking a few boxes. Each person’s personality, preferences, needs, and experience with dementia bring unique considerations and challenges. That’s why our senior care advisors are here to help—at no cost to you.

Our team is specially trained to help you identify the level of care your loved one needs and curate a list of solutions that best suit them. Your local advisor will walk you through every aspect of the process, accompanying you on community tours, setting up move-in assistance, and so much more. If you need an advocate in your loved one’s memory care journey, contact CarePatrol today!

Choose CarePatrol to Find the Best Memory Care Options Near You

CarePatrol has vetted thousands of assisted living facilities, nursing homes, and other senior living options throughout the country, discovering the communities that provide the best possible care for our clients. Each CarePatrol advisor is a local expert in their area’s elder care services and is passionate about helping families like yours find their perfect care solution!

Day clock:  Created to share the day of the week and the time of the day, the bold letters convey whether it is day or night.  

Talking clock:  Using a chime or verbal notification, this choice will share information with audio cues. 

Digital calendar clock: For a loved one who may confuse the time of the year or the current season, this option displays the month, day of the week, current date, and time.  It is ideal for anyone who has a recent diagnosis or is in middle-stage dementia. 

Medication reminder clock: Easily programmed to remind a person to take their medication, it can display or use an audio cue to make sure that the right medication is taken at the right time and limit confusion. 

Digital alarm clock:  Created to help Alzheimer’s patients with large, labeled buttons, it is easier to use this style of a clock and set alarms as well as read the time and other information. 

Another tool that is proven effective to improve the lives of a loved one with dementia is to employ communication aids. Technology has made it easier for seniors to stay engaged and in touch with loved ones both near and far.  Explore the options in adapted telephones that have large buttons and can be programmed with the phone number of family and friends for a less stressful way to communicate.  Video chat brought family members together during the pandemic and beyond and this can help loved ones at a distance to see their loved one often, without the stress and cost of frequent travel. 

For anyone concerned about a loved one with memory concerns, CarePatrol is your trusted resource for senior living options.  We have vetted communities in your area and can match you with the top options that are right for your family.  You’re never alone when CarePatrol is on your side.  Reach out to learn more today. 

In honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month this November, we’re taking a moment to talk about dementia: what it is, what to expect, and how a senior care advisor can help your family find the best support. A dementia diagnosis doesn’t mean the end of good days for your loved one—with the right senior living community, you can still enjoy plenty of meaningful moments and happy times together.

What Is the Difference Between Dementia and Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s disease is a specific form of dementia, accounting for 60–70% of all cases. One of the major physical characteristics of this disease is the presence of plaques and tangles in the brain. Plaques are clusters of protein buildups between neurons, and tangles are knots of nerve cells. Together, these issues lead to tissue loss and signs of cognitive deterioration.

Dementia is a more general term for various symptoms of decline in a person’s cognitive function.  There are many other causes and types of dementia, including:

• Lewy body dementia: associated with deposits of a protein (Lewy bodies) that form in the brain and affect brain chemistry
• Vascular dementia: changes in the brain resulting from blocked or reduced blood flow
• Frontotemporal dementia: characterized by nerve cell loss in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain
• Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE): common in athletes, and associated with repeated head injuries throughout a person’s lifetime

What Are the Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease?

Memory Problems

Often, dementia begins with what seems like ordinary forgetfulness. But when forgetfulness interferes with daily life, it’s no longer a normal part of aging. A forgotten name here or a missed appointment there may not be cause for alarm. But if you notice a consistent pattern of memory loss, especially if it involves skipped medications or missed bills, it may be time to arrange for a professional assessment.

Trouble with Reasoning & Judgment

The first signs of change may become evident when it comes time to take on a complex task. Whether that task is organizing a party or learning a new skill at work, difficulty thinking or frequent confusion can be a red flag. Judgment problems can also affect a person’s driving capabilities. Frequent accidents, dings and scratches on the car, or getting lost on familiar routes are common early signs of developing dementia.

Changes in Hygiene or Other Personal Tasks

If your loved one has always been a little lax with their hygiene and housekeeping, that likely isn’t going to change in their later years. But a noticeable decline in their showering habits, personal grooming, or household chores could be a symptom of dementia. They may be unable to perform the activities of daily living that they once could, in which case senior care could be the best option for their safety and well-being.

Orientation & Mobility Issues

It’s normal for older adults to have a little more trouble getting around the house than they used to. But dizziness and balance problems are more serious issues. If your loved one has trouble getting up, sitting down, or walking around, they may need extra assistance. Watch, too, for any unexplained bruises that could be signs of unreported trips or falls.

Mood, Behavior, and Communication Changes

It’s common for people with dementia to have difficulty communicating what they mean to the people around them. Watch for consistent trouble finding the right words, uncertainty or confusion when performing familiar tasks, and changes in their personality, like a loss of interest in things they once enjoyed.

What is the Best Care for a Person with Dementia?

Assisted living communities with dedicated dementia care or memory care facilities have a number of benefits. Skilled caregivers at these homes understand exactly how to manage the symptoms of dementia, and they can keep a close watch on the disease’s progression over time.

From managing medications to helping them with everyday grooming and mobility tasks, the nurses at assisted living communities are there to provide quality care 24/7. And when you aren’t the sole caregiver for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you have more emotional bandwidth to support them in the other ways that matter most: being a loving presence in their life.

Assisted living residents also benefit from specialized programs designed to maximize their remaining abilities and stimulate their minds with meaningful activities. Remember that social isolation is a major concern for older adults. Quality memory care communities ensure that your loved one feels connected through common areas, group activities, and consistent caregiver relationships.

Find a Senior Living Community for Dementia Care

Receiving a dementia diagnosis for a loved one is never easy. But you don’t have to go through the process alone. At CarePatrol, our senior care advisors are here to help you find the perfect senior living solution for your family.

They’ll be with you every step of the way: assessing the necessary level of care, touring vetted communities with you, coordinating move-in day, and checking in with you periodically after the transition. If you’re not sure whether it’s time to consider assisted living, take our short assessment today!

CarePatrol: Helping You Find the Best Community for Your Senior Loved One

Finding memory and dementia care can be a stressful process for seniors and their families. But CarePatrol’s senior care advisors have vetted thousands of assisted living facilities and nursing homes nationwide, and we’re ready to help you find the perfect fit. Best of all, our services are offered at no charge to you. 

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) works tirelessly to provide the latest resources and information to individuals with brain injuries, professionals, caregivers, and more. According to their research, at least 5.3 million Americans live with a traumatic brain injury-related disability. That is one in every 60 people. Their current campaign, #MoreThanMyBrainInjury, looks to increase understanding of brain injury as a chronic condition, reduce the stigma associated with having a brain injury, showcase the diversity of injury and the demographics of the community, and improve care and support for individuals with brain injury and their families. 

Understanding Brain Injury: Definitions and Facts

• An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) degenerative or induced by birth trauma.
• A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a type of ABI. It is caused by trauma to the brain from an external force.
• Every 9 seconds, someone in the U.S sustains a brain injury.
• More than 3.6 million people sustain an ABI each year.
• At least 2.8 million people sustain a TBI each year.
• Click here to download the fact sheet from BIAA.

Brain Injuries in Older Adults

While many might relate brain injury to sports and other physical activities practiced by younger generations, older adults actually face a high risk of brain injury due to falls. According to the CDC, older adults are more likely to be hospitalized and die from a TBI compared to all other age groups. Moreover, TBIs may be missed or misdiagnosed in older adults because the symptoms may overlap with other common medical conditions such as dementia. (Source)

• Asking the same questions over and over again
• Getting lost in well-known places Having trouble following recipes or directions
• Becoming more confused about time, people and places
• Not taking care of oneself—eating poorly, not bathing or behaving unsafely
  (Source)

Finding the Right Care Solution, Together

Part of a memory care plan may include assisted living. Whether your loved one is currently in a care community or needs to transition to one focused on memory care, our trusted local Senior Care Advisors® are here to help at no cost to you.

Memory care communities focus on enhancing the memory function of residents and improving their cognitive health. When you connect with one of our Certified Senior Advisors® you will receive care options for your older loved one that are individualized and thoroughly vetted.

Click here to learn more about memory care support. 

Below are excerpts from our fireside chat…

Joanna Mansfield of Atria Senior Living reports: The number one question that adult children struggle with when they're trying to come up with approaches to taking care of a loved one who has a dementia diagnosis — either a recent diagnosis or a family member who’s been working through having a loved one with dementia for quite some time — is this the right time to make a transition into either an assisted living setting or more specifically into a secured dementia neighborhood? Folks really struggle with the decision for mom or dad to leave their home that they've been in for a considerable amount of time, and is a move going to be disruptive? Am I going to see their disease get worse with this transition? 

I also think that there are stigmas associated with institutionalization and folks still continue to struggle with it, despite the fact that data supports that, for individuals who are suffering from dementia and other cognitive impairments, socialization is a huge component of being able to maintain their level of functioning. 

The biggest conversation we typically have initially with family members is, “What does mom or dad's day-to-day look like? Are they out there and still engaged? Are they able to perform more normal daily functions and activities of daily living safely? Are they able to still appropriately manage their medications?” 

All of those things come into play when folks are trying to make the right decision about whether or not it's time to make a move.

Paul Vranesic of Arden Courts: 

Our memory care advisors coach our teams to educate them on the disease itself and what that progression will look like.  We know that dementia is a progressive disease; it doesn't get better, it does get worse, and so being honest, open and upfront with families right out of the gate really sets the tone for a more thoughtful conversation about what the right next step is.

Everybody's progression is a little bit different; there's so many different forms of dementia out there. We empower our sales folks and our clinical staff to understand that everybody's journey is going to be a little bit different and they have to look at the individual holistically as opposed to just singling out that one particular diagnosis. 

Catch the entire fireside chat on YouTube here.

A common behavior among adults facing these diseases, Alzheimer’s wandering is a serious issue that can become dangerous. They’re at high risk of getting lost and are exposed to potential accidents. Alzheimer’s wandering or dementia wander is a phenomenon where individuals with dementia exhibit wandering behavior due to various triggers.

Fortunately, there are signs to look out for and steps you can take to prepare for if your loved one accidentally walks away.

Causes of Alzheimer’s Wandering

While the exact causes of Alzheimer’s wandering are not fully understood, it may occur in some individuals who are searching for something or trying to get back to a place they remember. Sometimes, people wander or walk away simply because they are restless or agitated.

Other possible causes of wandering include:

• Unable to comprehend instructions such as waiting/staying in the car or the house
• Wanting to go home (even when they are home)
• A sudden change in routine
• A reaction to something seen or heard
• Onset of delirium
• Basic needs- searching for food, a bathroom, etc.
• Fear, stress, or boredom

Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s Wandering for Family Members

Anyone who has memory problems and can walk can show signs of wandering. According to an article by the Alzheimer’s Association, “6 in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once; many do so repeatedly.”

There are certain things people might say or do that are at risk for wandering. Here are some common warning signs:

• “I want to go home.”
• “I have to go shopping.”
• “I have to go to work.”
• They don’t remember to come back to the house after being outside
• They don’t recognize the house anymore or their family’s faces
• Pacing, restlessness
• Increasing forgetfulness

You want your loved one to be safe no matter what stage of Alzheimer’s they may be in (stages can vary when wandering occurs), but it can be difficult. Although there are many signs to look out for and many possible causes, there are ways your family can prepare for such episodes and prevent disaster in cases of wandering.

5 Tips and Safety Measures to Prevent Alzheimer’s Wandering and Prepare for Emergencies

1. Mark Your Doors

When a person living with dementia or Alzheimer’s tries doors that lead outside, they’re often just confused and looking for the bathroom, bedroom, or kitchen. Make these doors easier to find by putting big signs or pictures on them indicating they’re in the right place.

For exterior doors, put large signs that say “Do Not Enter” that include pictures of stop signs up. Many people with dementia won’t open doors with those types of signs. Another way to discourage adults from using those doors is to camouflage them. If they can’t see the door, most likely they won’t find them. Try hanging curtains and only slide them open when necessary.

2. Install Locks and Alarms

Home safety modifications can make it hard for a person with dementia to get outside. Things like child-proof door knobs, extra locks, and alarms on doors and windows can prove essential. For locks on doors, install them high up out of the sightline of your loved one.

However, be cognizant of fire safety measures for all members of your household. These safety modifications should be easily accessible for anyone else in the house without cognitive disabilities.

3. Identification Measures

Every morning, take a picture of your loved one once they’re dressed. This way, you’ll always have a recent photo of the clothes they’re wearing to show law enforcement should they manage to get lost. Also, create ID labels to sew or iron onto their clothing that include contact information.

Alert your surrounding neighbors of their potential wandering habits, ways to stop and distract them, and give them your contact information.

4. Solve Trigger Warnings Before Wandering

Whatever causes you’ve noticed that onsets wandering, diffuse them. Oftentimes that requires fibs like saying it’s a federal holiday and the office is closed if they’re trying to ‘go to work.’ Fill their day with activities if their trigger is boredom or restlessness. Think creatively and find solutions for keeping your loved one engaged. 

5. The Right Level of Care

Ultimately, wandering can be very difficult to manage in older adults, especially for family caregivers. CarePatrol is here to help with senior living when your loved one can no longer stay at home safely. We are your partner in care, working with older adults and their families to find the safest, happiest living environment. We know how challenging the aging process can be, and we have experience with even the most sensitive situations. Our dedicated team has helped thousands of seniors find safer senior living, and we can help your older loved ones as well. 

Assisted living communities provide seniors with the help they need with daily activities, such as bathing, getting dressed, meals, and medications. 

Unfortunately, even in the top assisted living facilities, you’re likely to hear an older adult say, “ I want to go home.”

Hearing this can be very hard for families, but it’s important to get to the bottom of what “home” means, how you can help your loved one, and what to do next. 

Handling Guilt 

Hearing your loved ones say that they want to go home can be heartbreaking. Even when you know that an assisted living community is the best solution for your loved one, hearing them ask to go home often evokes feelings of guilt. 

This seemingly small sentiment can make you question the quality of the facility and the choices you are making to help your senior. Hearing your parent or spouse ask to go home often unveils feelings we may not realize we had. We may become frustrated, especially with a family member with dementia or Alzheimer’s. It’s easy to feel helpless, and no matter what you do it does not seem like the best option. 

To best help older adults when they say, “I want to go home,” we must be able to see past our initial feelings of frustration, desperation, and guilt. Rather than letting your emotions rule your response, take a step back and assess the various reasons people say they want to go home when they are in a seemingly high-quality assisted living environment. 

What Does “Home” Mean?

When we hear our loved ones say they want to go “home,” we tend to think of our version of home. Based on our own concerns and feelings of guilt, we often interpret this to mean home as a place. However, there are many other ways that older people, especially those suffering from dementia, can perceive “home.”

Saying, “I want to go home,” may be another way of saying, “I don’t feel good here.” Teepa Snow breaks down the different meanings of “home” in her podcast Dementia Care Partner Talk Show Ep. 86 “I Want to Go Home!” She explains that when seniors say this, they are telling you something about their current situation that is not familiar, friendly, functional, or forgiving. It may not be a good sensory match, or something is not comfortable. What they are really saying is that they are looking for a place of comfort. 

When you understand how dementia affects the brain, the begging for home makes sense. Dementia first affects the hippocampus or the brain’s memory center. As the hippocampus sustains damage, people struggle to remember the timeline of their life. Where they are now versus where they are supposed to be is fuzzy. They may not always understand how they got somewhere or the landmarks around them. 

Rather than interpreting “I want to go home” as meaning a physical place, interpret it as a way of asking for some important needs. It could simply mean that the person is hungry, thirsty, or tired. They may need something that they do not know how to get where they are. Asking for “home” is a way of asking for needs to be met. 

How to Respond 

Hearing the cry for home, especially repeatedly, can be upsetting, annoying, and heartbreaking all at the same time. Understandably, family members and even the trained nursing staff may sometimes respond based on their emotions. 

However, a “you are home” or “this is your home now” will not help you or your senior. Rather than responding based on emotion or out of exasperation, try to reveal the cause of the sentiment. 

Start with, “Do you need to do something at home or do you just want to be there?” The answer can reveal a lot. If they mention a specific thing they want to do there, you may be able to help them meet that need. Maybe they will tell you they need to make dinner there or they have to use the bathroom. Based on their response, you can help them find a solution. 

On the other hand, if the person says they just want to be home, they have an emotional need. Maybe it is a person or a sensory detail. For example, if the older adult responds with “It’s too loud here, so I want to go home,” you can help them find a quieter area. 

Another idea is to redirect. Rather than just saying no or telling them they are home, try “let’s head out.” This gives the brain new stimulation it may crave. If possible, take them for a supervised walk outside or a drive around the neighborhood. Always bring a phone and a map just in case you need it. Simply heading out for a little bit and changing up the environment can make a huge difference. 

Finding New Friends

Home is also about familiar people who love you. Helping the older adult meet new people at their new home so that they can start to be surrounded by people will go a long way toward making them feel welcome and included.

Photos and Music

Bring in old framed photos, photo albums, or even create a digital photo frame loaded with lots of family photos so they are surrounded by familiar faces. And music can be a powerfully calming force, which draws up familiarity and comfort.

No matter what, monitor your tone. Take a deep breath and remain calm. If you need to, take a break in a safe space. How you speak to the person is just as important as what you say. 

What Are Assisted Living Communities?

What Are Memory Care Communities?

Choosing Assisted Living or Memory Care

• Harm to self or others. If your client poses a threat to themselves or others, then memory care is often the best option as it provides the supervision they need.
• Wandering. As dementia progresses, the risk for wandering also increases. Elopement is very dangerous for older adults, because they may become lost in an area where no one can guide them back home. Some assisted living communities provide safety features that can prevent this, but, if wandering is a major concern, then memory care may be necessary.
• Specialized caregiver training. Staff at both assisted living and memory care communities are trained to support residents with ADLs. However, memory care staff also receive detailed training for caring for those with all stages of a variety of dementia forms including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body dementia.
• Specialized programming. Assisted living communities may offer amenities that residents can access without formal supervision: gym, library, craft studio, salon/barbershop, etc. Memory care communities offer amenities specifically geared toward those with more advanced dementia: enclosed gardens and memory-enhancing therapies.