Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions » Safety
My father is reverting to thinking he’s a much younger man, and he feels he needs to be at work. Last week he got dressed and got on the bus. He didn’t know where he was going, and we didn’t know where he went. This sent the entire family into a state of panic. My mom wants to keep caring for him at home, but she’s so hard of hearing and she sleeps so soundly that she doesn’t hear him get up and start moving about.
Your father's memory loss and confusion do place him at greater risk of harm or injury, and you have reason to be concerned. If your mother and father wish to remain in their home, you may encourage them to register for the Alzheimer's Association Safe Return program. This is a nationwide identification, support and registration program that provides assistance when a person with Alzheimer's Disease, or a related memory disorder, wanders and becomes lost. Call 800-272-3900 for information or visit http://www.alz.org/safereturn
It is quite likely that your parents are in need of in-home care support, or you may benefit from exploring the opportunities that exist within adult day service programs Adult Day Services
You may find that it's necessary to consider alternative housing and care options that exist for your father. A person who wanders is typically in the mid-stages of the dementia process. As all dementias are progressive in nature, it is wise to have at least two or three plans in place, just in case a severe decline in cognitive ability occurs; or just in case your mother's health declines to a point where she's not able to care for your father.
Last update: 2007-05-08 01:05
Author: Tech Support
Revision: 1.0
