Summer Safety with Dementia: Preventing Elopement & Creating Meaningful Experiences

Written by: Katie Fournier, LPN, CDP, Owner & co-founder of Ember Holistic Care LLC

Summer is a season filled with sunshine, family gatherings, vacations, backyard barbecues, and celebrations. While these moments often bring joy, they can also present unique challenges for individuals living with dementia and those who care for them.

At Ember Holistic Care, we believe every person living with dementia deserves the opportunity to enjoy the season safely and meaningfully. Understanding potential risks, and planning ahead, can make all the difference.

Understanding Elopement and Wandering

One of the greatest summertime safety concerns for individuals living with dementia is elopement, often referred to as wandering away.

Elopement occurs when a person leaves a safe environment without supervision and is unable to safely navigate back. This is not simply “wandering off.” It is often the result of changes in the brain that affect memory, judgment, orientation, and problem-solving.

Warm weather naturally means more open doors, outdoor activities, visitors coming and going, and increased distractions—all of which can increase the likelihood of someone leaving unnoticed.

A person with dementia may be trying to:

• Go to work, despite being retired for many years.

• Find a childhood home.

• Pick up children from school.

• Look for a spouse or family member.

• Leave an environment that feels confusing or overwhelming.

To them, these goals feel completely real and obtainable.

Why Summer Increases the Risk

During the summer months, several factors contribute to higher rates of elopement:

• Doors are opened more frequently for guests and outdoor activities.

• Family vacations and holiday gatherings create unfamiliar environments.

• Increased noise and stimulation may cause anxiety.

• Longer daylight hours can disrupt routines.

• Heat and dehydration may worsen confusion.

Even a short period outdoors can become life-threatening, especially if the individual has underlying medical conditions. If an individual becomes lost during periods of extreme heat, they are at increased risk for:

• Heat exhaustion

• Heat stroke

• Dehydration

• Falls

• Serious injury

• Worst case scenario: Death

Tips to Reduce the Risk of Elopement

Whether you’re caring for someone at home or in a senior living community, proactive planning is essential.

Consider these safety strategies:

• Maintain a consistent daily routine.

• Supervise outdoor time whenever possible.

• Install door alarms or motion sensors.

• Keep recent photographs available.

• Ensure identification is always worn, such as a medical ID bracelet.

• Consider enrolling in a GPS or location tracking program through devices 

• Notify neighbors of the dementia diagnosis so they know who to call if they see the individual alone.

• Notify local police that a person with dementia lives with you and see if they have a system in place to help find your loved one faster in an emergency situation.

• Reduce triggers that may cause anxiety or restlessness.

• Meet basic needs including hydration, hunger, toileting, and pain management.

Most importantly, never assume someone is “too advanced” or “not mobile enough” to wander. Elopement can occur at many stages of dementia related diagnosis, and everyone with a dementia diagnosis has the ability to have an elopement as they progress.

Dementia-Friendly Summer Activities

Summer can still be filled with meaningful experiences that match a person’s current abilities.

Ideas include:

• Sitting outside during the cooler morning hours.

• Gardening together.

• Listening to favorite music on the porch.

• Watching birds or butterflies.

• Sharing fresh fruit or homemade lemonade.

• Looking through family photo albums outdoors.

• Taking short scenic drives.

• Enjoying shaded walks.

• Attending smaller community events during quieter hours.

• Completing simple crafts related to summer holidays.

The goal isn’t to recreate the past—it’s to create moments of joy in the present.

Family Gatherings: Less Can Be More

Family reunions and cookouts can quickly become overwhelming.

Large groups, multiple conversations, unfamiliar children running around, music, and constant movement may increase confusion and fatigue.

Consider:

• Visiting before the gathering becomes crowded.

• Providing a quiet room for breaks.

• Limiting the length of the visit.

• Keeping familiar caregivers nearby.

• Bringing favorite snacks, blankets, or comfort items.

• Encouraging family members to greet one at a time rather than all at once.

Remember that quality time does not have to mean long periods together.