In this episode of the Dementia Researcher Podcast Dr Anna Volkmer hosts a discussion exploring the complexities of wandering in dementia care.

Dr Bryony Waters-Harvey & Dr Emma Hock from The University of Sheffield and Conny McGowan from The Orders of St John Care Trust discuss their research and outcomes of the NIHR funded "FREEDEM study" - Reframing 'wandering' as a meaningful activity using realist synthesis and qualitative exploration

Takeaways

• Wandering is often a meaningful activity for residents.
• Individualised care plans are crucial for supporting residents.
• Language matters in how we perceive wandering.
• Positive risk-taking can enhance residents' quality of life.
• Hydration and nutrition are important for wandering residents.
• Research should focus on the positive aspects of wandering.
• Care staff need training to support safe wandering.
• Environmental factors significantly impact wandering behavior.
• Residents should have access to outdoor spaces.
• Future research should involve residents and their families

Access the toolkit and resources:

https://sites.google.com/sheffield.ac.uk/freedem/home

Strategies to support safe wandering in care homes for older adults – what works, for whom, and in which circumstances? A realist synthesis:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0020748926000192

A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk.

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