When a senior parent has Alzheimer’s, taking them to the doctor, to get glasses, or out in public for any reason can be nerve-wracking. As their Alzheimer’s progresses it can be more difficult to keep them safe. Keeping a senior with Alzheimer’s safe in public requires careful planning, vigilance, and understanding of the unique challenges that the disease presents.
Alzheimer’s can cause memory loss, disorientation, and difficulty with decision-making, making it crucial to take extra precautions to ensure their safety and well-being outside the familiar home environment. Here are some strategies and tips to keep a senior with Alzheimer’s safe in public:
Identification and Contact Information
Ensure that the senior with Alzheimer’s carries identification with their name, address, and emergency contact information. Consider providing them with an identification bracelet or a card in their wallet with this information. If they wander or become disoriented, having these details readily available can help others assist and reunite them with their loved ones.
Get Alzheimer’s Care
Seniors with Alzheimer’s should have Alzheimer’s care. Specialized Alzheimer’s care will help seniors in many ways, including building a connection with a caregiver. Having a familiar and supportive presence can help reduce anxiety and provide reassurance when your senior parent is in an unfamiliar setting like the doctor’s office.
Use GPS Tracking Devices
Using GPS tracking devices designed for seniors with Alzheimer’s is a must when taking a senior parent out in public. These devices can be discreetly worn or carried and allow caregivers to monitor their location in real-time, making it easier to locate them in case of wandering. Sometimes all it takes is a second when you’re distracted for your senior parent to wander away. A GPS locator will make it easier to find your senior parent.
Avoid Crowded and Noisy Places
Public spaces with large crowds and excessive noise can be overwhelming and disorienting for seniors with Alzheimer’s. Choose quieter and less crowded environments to reduce stress and confusion. For example, pack a lunch and enjoy eating at a picnic table in the park rather than eating in a noisy crowded restaurant at lunchtime.
Choose A Distinctive Piece of Clothing
Dress the senior in distinctive clothing or accessories that make them easily identifiable in public. This can be particularly helpful in busy places or events with many people. A bright scarf or colorful hat can help you identify your senior parent in a crowd.
Limit Access to Money and Valuables
Minimize the amount of money and valuable items the senior carries with them. Consider providing them with a small amount of money in a separate wallet for purchases, while keeping larger amounts and important documents secure at home.
Monitor Restroom Visits
Accompany the senior to public restrooms and wait outside to ensure their safety and avoid potential confusion.
Have a Plan for Wandering
If the senior with Alzheimer’s has a history of wandering, create a wandering plan with family members, caregivers, and local authorities. Share a recent photograph and important information about the senior to facilitate a quick response if needed.
Stay Calm and Patient
If the senior becomes agitated or disoriented in public, remain calm and patient. Speak calmly and reassure them with familiar phrases or gestures. Avoid arguing or contradicting their perceptions. Distract them with a favorite object like a book, a fidget toy, or a stuffed animal.
Pay Attention To Your Senior Parent’s State Of Mind
Be observant of any changes in the senior’s behavior, as this may indicate discomfort, fatigue, or confusion. Be ready to modify or end the outing if necessary.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s care in Granbury, TX, please contact the caring staff at Clear Path Home Care today. Call (817) 631-7710.
Clear Path Home Care provides compassionate, high quality home care in Parker County, Tarrant County, Johnson County, Hood County, Somervell County, Erath County, Bosque County and Hamilton County in Texas.
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