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42 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | NOVEMBER 2020 | Just in case: Check with your club contact to confirm meeting place, date, and time. Here we are in November and I still don't leave my house unless I have my mask on. I thought by now things would be different, but they aren't. Unfortunately a lot of us will not be celebrating Thanksgiving. Even though we are restricted in what and where we can do or go, we still have a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful for each of you. HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND PLEASE BE SAFE. The next Zoom meeting will be on Thurs., Nov. 19 at 10 am. Members will be notified of the details by an email a few days prior to the meeting. The Zoom meetings have been very successful. If anyone needs help setting up for Zoom, contact Diane and she will get you going. Unfortunately our group that meets in the Arts and Craft room is still on hold. As soon as we get the OK to meet, we will again have great live music to entertain your loved ones with loving and caring volunteers to make a few hours enjoyable for them. If you have any questions, would like to learn more about Memory Loss, or would like reading materials that we can loan you, call Diane at (951) 769-0130, Doug at (360) 840-5559, or Anne at (951) 845-8700. Remember, we are here to help. WHAT TO DO ABOUT WANDERING Wandering is one of the most common behaviors among people living with Alzheimer's. It is important for caregivers to be aware of this unique behavior and try to understand why it's happening. Individuals may leave their home because they believe they need to go to work, even if they are retired. Others are looking for something or someone. WHAT TO WATCH FOR Keep in mind that an individual may have difficulty expressing themselves with words as the disease progresses. Issues to watch out for include: confusion, social disengagement, boredom or pain, hunger or thirst, in need of a restroom, anxiety, emotional distress or searching for something from the present or past. WHAT YOU CAN DO Pay attention to the individual's patterns, frequency, duration, time of day, etc., and prepare activities that can be used to redirect their attention, as needed. Provide opportunities for socialization. Consider recreational or other therapeutic activities, such as art or music. Ensure the person's basic needs (food, beverages, utilizing the restroom). Install electronic chimes or doorbells on doors so someone is alerted if the individual tries to exit. BE PREPARED Know the individual's past and present favorite spots. Ensure current photographs of the individual and their medical information is available. Familiarize yourself with your state's public alert (Silver Alert) service, a notification system that broadcasts information about missing persons, especially seniors with Alzheimer's. Caregiver Support Group