Nursing Assistant Monthly FEBRUARY 2008 Wandering What does this behavior mean? Care of the Wandering Resident

Nursing Assistant Monthly FEBRUARY 2008 Wandering What is wandering? It is the movement from one place to another that appears to be without purpose. Wandering occurs in many people with dementia, and is sometimes the first sign of dementia.

Nursing Assistant Monthly FEBRUARY 2008 Wandering Why do some residents wander? We don’t know for sure, but it appears that some wandering is a resident’s way of saying, “I need….” It is our job to “fill in the blank” and to figure out the need.

Nursing Assistant Monthly FEBRUARY 2008 Wandering Possible needs that trigger wandering A need for: food drink toileting pain relief social interaction affection, reassurance

Nursing Assistant Monthly FEBRUARY 2008 Wandering If you cannot find the need Report to the nurse Get the rest of the team involved (maybe someone will think of something you hadn’t considered) Ask yourself, “Is the resident distressed?”

Nursing Assistant Monthly FEBRUARY 2008 Wandering Some residents will wander, yet seem content Be sure the nurse is aware of the resident’s wandering behavior. Not all wandering needs to be stopped It depends on whether the resident is upset or is harming himself or herself (getting exhausted, for example). Is all wandering “bad”?

Nursing Assistant Monthly FEBRUARY 2008 Wandering Safety concerns Learn what to do if a resident wanders from the facility (this is called elopement). Prevent falls Provide supportive footwear Good foot care Remove hazards/clutter in the hallways and resident’s room

Nursing Assistant Monthly FEBRUARY 2008 Wandering Summary: Your role as CNA Observe the resident –What triggers the wandering behavior? –Is there a pattern? Offer comfort –Try to discover a possible need. Keep the resident safe from falls, injury. Keep the nurse informed of the resident’s status.