What should be assessed first when a resident with Alzheimer's is noted to be wandering?

The assessment of the resident's awareness of their surroundings is crucial when a resident with Alzheimer's is noted to be wandering. This condition can significantly impair a person's cognitive function, impacting their ability to recognize familiar environments, understand spatial orientation, or even remember where they are. By determining the resident's awareness, caregivers can gauge the level of disorientation and confusion, which can serve as a foundation for understanding the underlying causes of the wandering behavior.

Wandering may point to distress, disengagement, or attempts to fulfill unmet needs, and assessing awareness helps in identifying appropriate interventions. If the resident is not aware of their surroundings, it may indicate a higher risk for incidents, guiding staff on how to effectively care for the individual in a manner that ensures their safety and well-being.

Other considerations, like potential falls or the need for additional supervision, are also important, but understanding a resident's awareness of their setting is fundamental in tailoring immediate care strategies and interventions.