CorongNews – In June 2025, a search and rescue operation was launched in Natuna, Indonesia, after an elderly woman living with dementia went missing in a forested area while tending to her plants. SAR teams scoured the area for days, highlighting a recurring and deeply troubling reality faced by families caring for people with dementia.
Incidents like this are far from rare. People living with dementia often experience what specialists refer to as “wandering” or “exit-seeking” behaviour. As cognitive decline progresses, memory loss and disorientation make it difficult for them to recognise familiar places. In some cases, they may believe they are living in a different era or searching for a place from their past.
This condition places immense emotional and physical pressure on families. Caregivers frequently report exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout as they attempt to provide constant supervision while managing unpredictable behaviour.
What causes caregiver stress?
One of the main stressors for families is the lack of proper training in dementia care. While physical assistance is demanding, it is often the behavioural and emotional changes that caregivers find hardest to manage.
People with dementia may experience sudden anxiety, mood swings, or an urge to leave home. These behaviours are usually triggered by specific stimuli. Something as simple as an old photograph can spark confusion. When a person sees an image of themselves as a teenager, they may feel compelled to return to what they believe is their childhood home. Acting on this belief, they leave the house, only to become lost when the surroundings no longer make sense to them.
As such episodes become more frequent, families may feel as though their loved one has become a completely different person. This emotional shift can be devastating, especially since these changes can appear at any stage of the illness.
Practical ways to support people with dementia
Despite these challenges, families can take practical steps to reduce risks and better support loved ones who experience exit-seeking behaviour.
The first step is to remain calm during episodes of confusion. Family members should work together to de-escalate the situation and try to identify what may have triggered the behaviour.
Managing the environment is also crucial. Reducing exposure to objects that cause disorientation—such as nostalgic photos or items linked to the past—can help limit confusion and the urge to wander.
Supervision is equally important. People with dementia should not be left alone at home, even if they appear capable of managing independently. Monitoring should be done discreetly, prioritising safety while respecting dignity.
Another essential measure is ensuring that the person always carries identification. A copy of an ID card, along with a note stating their name, address, emergency contact number, and medical condition, can significantly increase the chances of a safe return if they become lost.
Why caregiver training matters
In Indonesia, dementia care is still largely excluded from the formal healthcare system. As a result, families are often left to navigate care on their own, seeking information and training independently to keep their loved ones safe at home.
There is much to learn from neighbouring countries such as Singapore, where dementia care is integrated into the national healthcare system. This approach ensures structured support not only for patients, but also for family caregivers and professionals involved in their care.
To improve dementia care in Indonesia, a comprehensive strategy is needed.
First, policymakers must better understand the real needs of caregivers. Because dementia symptoms vary widely, targeted research is essential to design training programmes that address practical, everyday challenges.
Second, caregiver training should be accessible and community-based. While organisations such as Alzheimer’s Indonesia already provide valuable training, these initiatives should be embedded within the public health system. Existing community healthcare structures—such as village health volunteers and elderly health posts—can be used to reach families more effectively.
Finally, Indonesia needs to strengthen its dementia care networks. Beyond practical skills, caregivers require emotional and psychosocial support. Counselling services and peer support networks can help families maintain their own well-being while continuing to provide compassionate, high-quality care.*
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