| Is it wandering that overtakes Alzheimer's victims | | | | first, but by telling someone that something does |
| or are they simply searching for something | | | | not feel quite right, you may save heartache in |
| impossible to find? Imagine setting out on a stroll | | | | the future. Many hospice organizations can also |
| with a definite purpose in mind such as turning off | | | | assist in finding ways for individuals to maintain |
| the front sprinkler or collecting the newspaper. | | | | independence while also providing families with |
| Each step takes you closer to the goal just as it | | | | peace of mind. |
| drives the purpose of that goal further away | | | | Another concern is what to do when you find a |
| from your understanding. How many times each | | | | "searcher" off on a strolling mission but with no |
| day do you head to the kitchen to get... and | | | | obvious destination in mind. Most often there are |
| suddenly you cannot remember what. You believe | | | | visible signs to let you know that the searcher is |
| that it was important or you would have never | | | | confused and not just a bit lost. The eyes may |
| headed that direction to begin with, but it is so | | | | be dull and appear unable to focus on you or your |
| frustrating to find yourself in mid-step with no | | | | words; the steps may be halting, exhibiting |
| idea of the destination. What was it that you | | | | uncertainty as to what to do next while at the |
| needed? | | | | same time refusing to adjust the course; |
| Momentary forgetfulness seems to get us all. In | | | | conversation may be pleasant enough but just |
| days that are jam-packed with responsibilities and | | | | not quite on the topic or may include responses |
| duties, it is easy to get lost as to purpose or goal. | | | | that seem odd. It is difficult and sometimes |
| With an Alzheimer's victim this forgetfulness | | | | impossible for a victim to admit that he is lost, but |
| escalates until nearly every task becomes muffled | | | | non-verbal indicators may be signals that all is not |
| and shuffled into confusion. "Little" forgetfulness | | | | well. |
| can be explained away by both victim and family. | | | | Be friendly and face the searcher. Speak clearly |
| To a question about someone's random pacing | | | | and with a reassuring voice using short sentences |
| the victim might respond, "Oh, I was just | | | | and simple questions. Try to let the searcher |
| checking on the dog" as she heads off yet again | | | | respond, as in, do not fill in the blanks of the |
| on a bewildering mission. When this confusion | | | | conversation with what you think should be said, |
| begins to shadow almost movement, it is | | | | but rather listen and enable the lost one to |
| definitely time for concern. Forgetting to turn off | | | | explain, if possible, the course she has set. Offer |
| that hose may cause a small flood; failing to turn | | | | to help but do not make demands. You are |
| off the bath water for the week-end might result | | | | helping an adult, and as an adult few of us like to |
| in a deluge. | | | | be bossed around like children, and so it is with |
| Of primary importance to most families is that | | | | Alzheimer's victims. Do not argue. If the searcher |
| loved ones, even with forgetfulness, retain | | | | has determined to turn left, suggest that right |
| independence. Being able to live on one's own, | | | | might be quicker, but force and harsh words only |
| drive a car, shop and cook are part of life and | | | | escalate frustration and just turning left may be |
| positively affect the outlook of most individuals. | | | | easiest. Besides, a series of lefts leads to the right |
| Self-determination is a standard of value. But | | | | in the end. |
| when that independence becomes dangerous such | | | | If you have a cell phone and can call for back-up |
| as turning off the furnace on a freezing night | | | | do so. If not just work to return the searcher |
| while leaving on all of the stove burners to warm | | | | home or to another place of safety and let family |
| the kitchen with the back door ajar for a breeze, | | | | or neighbors know of the incident what caused |
| a brave soul must step in to help. | | | | you worry. It is also good advice to let the city |
| What should you do if you are worried about | | | | police know about this event or to advise the |
| your neighbor who is beginning to behave | | | | family to do should this searching recur. A priority |
| differently than the norm? Expressing your | | | | of officers is to help searchers find a safe route |
| concern is a favor to both victim and family. | | | | home and advanced warning of a potential |
| Some may not take your "interference" well at | | | | problem may well alleviate it. |