Why One Wandering Incident Means It Could Happen Again

If your loved one living with dementia has ever wandered — even once — it can feel like one of the scariest moments of caregiving. You may tell yourself, “Maybe it was just a one-time thing.” But research shows otherwise.

In fact, MedicAlert, in partnership with the University of Waterloo, studied wandering among older adult MedicAlert subscribers and found that a previous wandering incident is the strongest predictor of future risk. The findings, published in BMC Geriatrics in the study “Factors Associated With a History of Critical Wandering Among MedicAlert Subscribers” (read the study here), confirm what many caregivers have experienced firsthand: once wandering happens, it is very likely to happen again.

Why This Finding Is So Important

For caregivers, this knowledge is both sobering and empowering.

• Sobering because it means a first incident isn’t a fluke — it’s a signal that wandering is now part of your loved one’s dementia journey.
• Empowering because knowing this gives you a chance to prepare early, before the next incident happens.

What Caregivers Should Do After the First Incident

If your loved one has wandered even once, here are the most important steps you can take:

1. Treat It as a Pattern, Not a One-Time Event

Don’t wait to see if it happens again. Assume it will — and act accordingly.

2. Share the Information With Healthcare Providers

Tell doctors, nurses, and support staff. A history of wandering helps them adjust care plans and may influence medication management, safety recommendations, and referrals.

3. Put Safety Measures in Place Immediately

• Secure doors and windows with alarms or locks.
• Create a routine that balances activity with rest, reducing restlessness that can lead to wandering.
• Ensure car keys, transit passes, or other “escape routes” are out of easy reach.

4. Make Identification Non-Negotiable

A MedicAlert ID should be worn at all times, even at home. Since many incidents start close to the house, responders or neighbors need a quick way to identify your loved one.

5. Build a Rapid Response Plan

Have a “missing person plan” ready:

• Who will you call first?
• What neighbors or community members should be alerted?
• Do you have a recent photo of your loved one accessible on your phone?

Why Preparation Protects Everyone

Wandering is not a reflection of poor caregiving — it’s a symptom of dementia. By responding decisively after the first incident, you’re not only protecting your loved one, you’re also protecting yourself from future crisis-driven stress.

MedicAlert, through our research with the University of Waterloo, continues to study wandering so families can turn fear into preparedness. Our goal is simple: to help caregivers keep loved ones safe, supported, and found quickly if they go missing.

If wandering has happened once, it’s time to prepare for next time — because preparation is the best way to replace fear with peace of mind.