Which behavior might indicate wandering in a resident with dementia?

• A. Sleeping through shifts
• B. Eating meals
• C. Watching TV
• D. Leaving the room or unit

Answer: (D)

Wandering involves moving away from a safe area due to confusion or searching for something familiar. In dementia, leaving the room or unit is a classic sign because it shows the person is roaming beyond their known boundaries, which raises the risk of injury or getting lost. This behavior stems from disorientation and memory impairment, and the urge to follow routines or stimuli that no longer make sense to them. To keep the resident safe, respond with heightened supervision and environmental safeguards: keep doors secured or equipped with alarms, supervise closely, ensure identification is visible on clothing, and maintain a calm, predictable routine with engaging activities to reduce restlessness. The other behaviors described—sleeping through shifts, eating meals, and watching TV—do not indicate wandering; they relate more to sleep patterns, nourishment, or passive activity.