Carol,

Yes, it is indeed a form of wandering. I know that this reduces the stres for these patients. e.g., my father-in-law now walks outside everyday. Although this was also part of the home nurse's idea, it is his own idea that he needs to walk outside everyday. (He had used to exercise and walk a long way.) Sometimes twice a day as he forgot that he did walk earlier.

I now think this is to reduce his stress/depression. This makes sense so he is walking a lot now although he needs the help of a cane and the caregiver. They drive him out to the lake at times.

However, he has a long-distance problem. He needs to be in the city of Evanston - where he lives. Any car drive that is longer than 30 minutes drives him crazy. I think this has to do with car motion sickness. My brother-in-law cannot ride a boat or not driving a car without getting motion sickness. But my father-in-law does not get car sick but he would complain about being driven too long. 

Indeed, this walking and going outside is part of this wandering.

Nina

Carol Bradley Bursack

6/ 9/08 5:41pm

Makes sense, Nina! And walking reduces stress for most of us, anyway.

 

It's when they can't stop, like Hazel, that it's problematic, but you father-in-law seems to use it in a good way.

 

Take care,

Carol