Learning to deal with Wandering Behaviour
Frequent Problems Associated with Wandering Behaviour
Wandering can occur at any time and from a variety of settings including:
For the parents of children with an
intellectual disability, the
dilemma is how to encourage independence, creative exploration and enjoyment
of the surroundings, while at the same time preventing the child from wandering off and becoming lost.
It is frequently not possible to determine
what triggers
the behaviour or when it will occur.
To the family and carer, wandering behaviour
can significantly add to their list of daily responsibilities and
stress levels. Many
carers find themselves in the difficult position of having to
restrict the independence of their loved one in order to reduce the risk of a missing episode.
Options used to Curb Wandering Behaviour
Each of these options is associated with its
own set of advantages and disadvantages, and no one option will be
suitable for all individuals. While decisions can be difficult to
make, it is important for carers to be proactive, not reactive.
Some Proactive Steps towards Dealing with Wandering Behaviour
- Make the decision to plan for future
wandering behaviour
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- Anticipate issues or problems when the
person at risk may be more agitated than usual
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- Seek out
professional advice from support services such as:
Alzheimer’s
Australia State Branches www.alzheimers.org.au
Carers
Australia State Branches www.carersaustralia.com.au
- Decide
on a course of action
- Take steps implement your preferred course of action
Some Other Issues to Consider
- the type of disability
- the degree of disability
- broader family needs and the types and levels of support that can be provided long term
- the personality of the ‘at risk’ person