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Non-pharmacological interventions to reduce wandering of hospitalized individuals with dementia

By Paul Panakal posted 12-23-2019 07:47 AM

  
​There are two geriatric psych units in the facility I work at.  Agitation and wandering are two major symptoms that staff challenged with.  We are looking for successful non-pharmacological interventions that could be implemented with these suffering patient group.  Thank you.
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Lucy Jones
07-20-2021 09:24 PM

Hello,

I have seen this behavior in residents/clients that have memory deficits and those with a dementia diagnosis.

It is important to know the persons story to be able to relate to their experiences and what is important to them. The person's life story can lead you to many non-pharmacological interventions that are person centered care.

Other interventions will be able to be developed as the the caregiver's use of self to understand, empathize and relate to the person symptoms, such as their ability to see, hear, ability to express pain and hunger, and the expression of emotion.  Try simulation.

As caregivers we need to have tolerance and cue a person to what they need to do and assist as needed.

In performing the tasks above mentioned a caregiver can develop empathy, respect, dignity and trust with the afflicted person.  Anticipate, educate, assist, cue, use their long term memory as a tool to redirect.

There are other areas of concern that can also help, such as nutrition, socialization, exercise, ti chi, music, massage, medication reconciliation, micro nutrients. Also look at staffing ratios.

Hope this helps you brainstorm and think of how to individualize your care. 

The reference for what I have stated are many and based on me keeping up with research and personal professional experience with residents/clients with dementia.