How should you respond to a wandering resident to ensure safety?

• A. Let them wander until they stop on their own
• B. Follow policy to secure doors and calmly guide resident back
• C. Argue with the resident
• D. Let the resident roam unsupervised

Answer: (B)

Responding to wandering residents safely relies on following the facility’s policy to secure doors and calmly guide the person back to a safe area. This approach minimizes the risk of injury or elopement and helps maintain the resident’s dignity. Start with a calm, reassuring approach, identify yourself, and assess what the resident may need. Use gentle redirection to bring them back to a safe, supervised area while keeping doors secured and in view. If needed, call for assistance and follow the established wandering protocol, including using alarms or door security measures and documenting the incident. Chasing, arguing, or letting the resident roam unsupervised increases danger and is not appropriate.