Why Wandering Happens: What Caregivers Need to Know

For many families caring for a loved one living with dementia, wandering is one of the most stressful and frightening challenges. The thought of someone you love going missing — even for a short time — can create constant worry.

That’s why MedicAlert, in partnership with researchers at the University of Waterloo, undertook a study to better understand wandering. Together, we examined the experiences of older adult MedicAlert subscribers to find out: Who is most at risk, and why does it happen?

The results were published in BMC Geriatrics under the title:
“Factors Associated With a History of Critical Wandering Among MedicAlert Subscribers” (read the study here).

What We Learned from the Study

In plain language, here’s what the research revealed:

  • Past incidents are a red flag. People who have wandered once are far more likely to wander again. This makes early intervention especially important.
  • Dementia progression matters. As symptoms advance, the risk of wandering increases.
  • Other health conditions play a role. Conditions that affect memory, mobility, or thinking add to the likelihood of wandering becoming a serious incident.

The key takeaway: wandering is not random. It is often linked to predictable health and behavior patterns.

Why This Matters for Caregivers

For caregivers, this means you can take steps before a crisis occurs. If your loved one has a history of wandering, or if their dementia is progressing, it’s time to put safety measures in place now.

Most importantly, the research reinforces something every caregiver should hear: wandering is a symptom of dementia, not a reflection of your caregiving.

What You Can Do with This Knowledge

Here are some practical steps caregivers can take based on the study’s findings:

  • Act early after the first incident. Treat wandering as a recurring risk, not a one-time event.
  • Share wandering history with healthcare providers. It helps them build a safer, more responsive care plan.
  • Create a safety plan at home. Door alarms, safe walking routes, and familiar routines can help reduce risk.
  • Use identification and support systems. A MedicAlert ID, GPS-enabled devices, and community programs like Safe & Found can ensure your loved one is located quickly if they go missing.

You Are Not Alone

Our research with the University of Waterloo confirms what many caregivers already know in their hearts: wandering is common and can be deeply stressful. But you don’t have to manage it alone. MedicAlert has been helping families and first responders for decades to make sure loved ones who go missing are returned home quickly and safely.

By learning from research, you’re not just caring — you’re preparing. And preparation is one of the greatest gifts you can give both yourself and your loved one.

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