Summer safety tips for Alzheimer’s patients

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Summer can be the most dangerous time of the year for people with Alzheimer’s.

With temperatures nearing 100 degrees, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on your loved ones who have health issues.

“In the summer months, wandering does become more prevalent as we are outside more often. We want to enjoy the weather,” said Alzheimer’s Association Programs Director Jill Disney. “We do see that more seniors who may be wandering during those months.”

Local law enforcement agencies are stepping up to help with the task as well. Chattanooga Police are forming a drone team to assist in finding missing people. 

“We were able, through the drone pilots, to provide coordinates to the searching crew. They were able to go out there and find the elderly gentleman, and to get him to assistance with the fire and rescue folks. He was cleared to be able to go back to his home,” said Executive Chief of Police Harry Sommers. 

To help keep Alzheimer’s patients from wandering off during summer months, the Association recommends having plenty of planned activities.  

“Having activities and planning for someone maybe to have a companion during that time would be appropriate,” said Disney. “Others lean on things like assistive technology for tracking… So, things like GPS, because wandering does not just happen on foot. It can happen in the car too.” 

And if you have loved one with Alzheimer’s who wanders off, contact your local emergency service immediately. 

“Wandering is a really serious safety concern and we would first and foremost recommend that if someone does have a missing loved one, they should contact, emergency personnel because they can help with safely assisting with finding the individual,” Disney concluded. 

If you are a caretaker and have questions or concerns, visit the Alzheimer’s Association.