Cold, wintry conditions can be especially dangerous for those living with dementia who may wander, according to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA).

Those who are prone to wandering can also become lost or disoriented quickly and at times may not know how to get back home or who to call for help, according to AFA. With the addition of frigid temperatures, family members with dementia may wander without appropriate clothing for the weather. Hypothermia, injuries from slipping on ice or snow and reduced visibility in winter weather are also critical risks, AFA added.

"Family caregivers need to understand the risk factors and warning signs of wandering and act quickly to address them," LCSW, AFA's Senior Director of Educational and Social Services Jennifer Reeder said. "Take steps now to help reduce the chances that your loved one with dementia will wander and ensure you're prepared if an emergency arises."

AFA suggests several protective steps to anyone caring for a loved one with dementia:

1. Safeguard the home

Car keys, jackets and purses can prompt a loved one to leave, especially if they are left near a door. AFA also suggests closing blinds or curtains as the snow outside could trigger confusion or curiosity in some people living with dementia, and prompt them to go outside.

2. Watch for warning cues

"Wandering often stems from an unmet need or desire (i.e., hunger, thirst, a need to use the bathroom, a wish to engage in an activity, a desire to follow an old routine). Look for signs that the person may need something (i.e., restlessness can be a sign that the person may need to be more actively engaged) and quickly address this to reduce the chances of wandering," AFA said in a statement.

AFA also suggests keeping an eye on signs that a loved one is frightened, anxious, stressed, or overstimulated; if so, they advise soothing, reassuring or redirecting them.

3. Know your loved one's patterns

It can be helpful to know what times of day may be more triggering for loved ones, in order to provide activities during those periods, according to AFA. Encouraging healthy sleep patterns can also reduce the chances that a person might leave in the middle of the night.

"If your loved one does wander, keep a record of their patterns (frequency/time of day, where they were found, etc.) to help guide you in the future," AFA stated.

4. Provide alternative activities

For those who previously lived a very active life or enjoys the outdoors, caregivers are advised to provide similar, active experiences in a safe environment. Some examples are creating "walking paths around the home with visual cues, engage the person in simple tasks, and provide cognitively stimulating activities" like music, crafts or crosswords.

5. Develop/update your safety plan

Lastly, family members are advised to make sure all emergency information is updated. This includes documents like medical information, a recent close-up photo and a list of places their loved one may wander to. AFA also suggests keeping a "list of people to contact if the person is missing and ask neighbors to call you if they see the person out alone." 

AFA offers a Helpline seven days a week by phone (866-232-8484), text message (646-586-5283), and web chat. The line is staffed by licensed social workers specifically trained in dementia care. For more wandering prevention tips the foundation advises reaching out to their help line.