What is a common nursing intervention for a client with Alzheimer's disease who wanders?

Allowing a client with Alzheimer's disease to wander in a prescribed area is a common and appropriate intervention. This approach recognizes the nature of the condition, wherein patients often experience the urge to move and explore their environment. Providing a safe, designated area for wandering helps to reduce stress and anxiety for the client while also ensuring their safety. It gives them a sense of freedom and autonomy, which is important for their dignity and mental well-being.

Creating such a space can help manage their wandering behavior more effectively without resorting to restrictive methods that can lead to increased agitation or discomfort. Ensuring the area is secure and monitored helps caregivers to maintain a balance between freedom and safety, thus promoting a more positive atmosphere for both the client and the staff.

In contrast, isolating the client or using restraints not only can lead to negative emotional outcomes but may also exacerbate agitation and confusion. Keeping the client in a locked room is similarly restrictive and does not address their need for movement and exploration, which are common behaviors seen in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.