Wandering and the physical environment.

Background/rationale: Guided by the need-driven dementia-compromised behavior (NDB) model, this study examined influences of the physical environment on wandering behavior.

Methods: Using a descriptive, cross-sectional design, 122 wanderers from 28 long-term care (LTC) facilities were videotaped 10 to 12 times; data on wandering, light, sound, temperature and humidity levels, location, ambiance, and crowding were obtained. Associations between environmental variables and wandering were evaluated with chi-square and t tests; the model was evaluated using logistic regression.

Empirical derivation and validation of a wandering typology.

Objectives: To develop and validate a wandering typology.

Design: Cross-sectional, correlational descriptive design.

Setting: Twenty-two nursing homes and six assisted living facilities.

New parameters for daytime wandering.

This study aimed to describe wandering using new parameters and to evaluate parameters as a function of cognitive impairment and mobility. Forty-four wanderers in long-term care settings were videotaped 12 times. Rate and duration of wandering episodes were plotted and used to derive parameters from values above and below case medians, proportion of hours wandering, and time of day.

Are wandering and physically nonaggressive agitation equivalent?

Objective: The authors examined equivalence of wandering and physically nonaggressive agitation (PNA) as concepts.

Design: A cross-sectional correlational design was used.

Setting: Participants were recruited from 22 nursing homes and 6 assisted living facilities in two states.

Families' perceptions of services in assisted living residences.

Assisted living residences (ALRs) are increasingly used to deliver services to older adults. Proposed policies for ALRs are gradually evolving. Although families are partners in this process, little is known about their understanding of nursing services available, compared with services needed and desired.

Biomechanical activity devices to index wandering behavior in dementia.

Valid and reliable measures of wandering are needed to study this troubling behavior. Although researchers have used various perspectives, definitions, and approaches to study wandering, spontaneous ambulation is a key characteristic across all views. Biomechanical activity devices for capturing movement provide one way to index wandering.