Safe Walking: A Strengths-Based Approach to Wandering

General Course
2 CE credits
LIVE, Interactive Webinar

Course Description: In this general course, participants will learn about the cognitive and behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia that can cause a person to lose their way while trying to navigate or accomplish a goal. This experience of “getting lost” can occur at any stage of the disease. This course will examine common reasons why individuals with Alzheimer’s disease may attempt to leave their environment—looking not just at the behavior itself, but at what the person may be trying to achieve. A key focus will be on the importance of learning about a person’s life history, daily routines, and sources of meaning, as these often provide valuable insight into what drives their actions. Participants will be encouraged to reframe the idea of “wandering” from a behavior to be managed or stopped, to “walking”—an activity that can foster purpose, reduce stress, and promote overall health and well-being. In addition, facilitators will guide participants through strategies to create individualized safety plans that address the risks of walking, getting lost, or becoming disoriented, while still honoring autonomy and quality of life. Designed to be fully interactive, this live interactive webinar encourages engagement through instructor-led discussions, case vignette analysis, and open Q&A.

From this course attendees will be able to:

1. Describe how cognitive and behavioral symptoms of dementia contribute to getting lost or disorientation.
2. Recognize common reasons why individuals with dementia may attempt to leave their environment and what they may be trying to achieve.
3. Explain the value of incorporating a person’s life history and routines into care planning and communication.
4. Reframe “wandering” as purposeful walking that can enhance well-being.
5. Develop a personalized safety plan to address the risks of getting lost while supporting autonomy and dignity.