(NEW YORK) — According to a press release from the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), cold winter months present a unique risk for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related illnesses.

Individuals with dementia are often prone to wandering, said the AFA, and during winter months this behavior becomes especially dangerous, as they can become disoriented and unable to find their way back to safety during frigid temperatures.

The AFA has provided 4 tips for helping families protect loved ones during cold weather (and any time dementia-related wandering is an issue).

Understand why wandering occurs. AFA said the impulse to wander is often related to a need for purpose, pleasure, or peace. A person with dementia may be wandering because they are bored, want more activity, or simply feel a desire to get away from overstimulation caused by noises or other people. This can be supported in safe ways, for example providing a walking path or garden near your home where the person with dementia can get some alone time, or engaging them with music, crafts, or exercise. Sometimes, the AFA added, those with dementia can be unable to express basic needs such as hunger, thirst, or the need to use the bathroom, and wandering can be triggered by those impulses. The AFA encouraged caretakers to monitor and meet these needs regularly.

Provide a safe environment. The AFA reminded caretakers to keep paths clear. Move anything that could potentially trip or immobilize a person with dementia. Also, remember that the sudden sight of car keys or a purse may trigger the need to wander. Put those things somewhere safe and out of sight. The AFA also recommended installing an electronic doorbell or using an app that will send you a notification or a chime when someone leaves the house.

Monitor patterns. Know what times of day the person with dementia is most active, the AFA said, and encourage healthy sleep habits, as this will help prevent wandering at nighttime. In addition, keeping records of the person’s habits and movements will help create a guide for caretakers.

Have a safety plan. AFA recommended keeping a list of places that the person with dementia may go (favorite coffee shops, or their previous home or workplace). Keep a recent close-up photo, and medical info, on hand. Be prepared with these items in case they are needed by medical personnel or people engaged in helping to search for a lost loved one. Some programs will assist the families of people struggling with dementia. Check to see if your community has a safety program you can enroll in, such as Project Lifesaver.

Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you are a caretaker. AFA has a helpline staffed by licensed social workers trained in caring for those with dementia. The Helpline is open seven days a week by phone (866-232-8484), text (646-586-5283), or web chat (www.alzfdn.org).