What is Wandering?

"Wandering” refers to a variety of behaviours that may result in people with dementia becoming lost or having their safety at risk.

Even if a place is familiar, dementia can cause a person to become disoriented and unable to find their way home.

It is important to remember that no one thing is going to ensure the safety of a person with dementia. Multiple strategies are recommended.

The Alzheimer Society of B.C. can assist people with dementia and their families to explore a variety of practical strategies to minimize the risk of wandering and to be prepared if wandering does occur.
 

MedicAlert® Safely Home®

The Alzheimer Society of Canada is partnering with the Canadian MedicAlert Foundation to improve the Safely Home program, incorporating the best features of both Safely Home and MedicAlert services.

MedicAlert ® Safely Home ® is a nationwide program designed to help identify the person who is lost and assist in a safe return home.

Members receive an engraved identification (over 100 styles of IDs available including bracelets, necklaces, watches and more), which allows police and emergency responders to quickly identify the person who has wandered and bring the family back together.

Call 1-855-581-3794:
  •     To sign up for MedicAlert Safely Home.
  •     To update your existing record.
  •     For more information.

Note: If you are currently registered with the Safely Home program, you will be contacted with more details in the future.

Wandering Package Tools:

Identification Kit
Tips for Police
Disorientation and Dementia
Wandering Information Kit
Locating Devices


Helpful Links:

MedicAlert® Safely Home®

 

No one thing is going to ensure the safety of the person with dementia. Multiple strategies are recommended and the Alzheimer Society of B.C. is here to assist you with exploring a variety of strategies to help you be prepared in the event that a wandering incident does occur.