In June 2025, an elderly woman with dementia went missing in a forested area in Natuna, Indonesia, while tending to her plants. Search and rescue (SAR) teams were deployed to locate her.
Such incidents are common among people living with dementia. Often described as ‘exit-seeking’ or ‘wandering’, this occurs because cognitive decline causes memory loss and disorientation.
As their condition progresses, they may struggle to navigate and make sense of their surroundings or feel as though they are in a completely different time or place.
These symptoms take a heavy toll on families, often leaving caregivers constantly exhausted and burnt out.
What triggers the stress?
A lack of training is a major cause of stress for families caring for those with dementia. When it comes to managing symptoms, carers often find changes in mood and behaviour the most challenging aspects to handle.
People living with dementia often experience increased anxiety, mood swings, or episodes of wandering. Usually, a specific event or “trigger” drives these changes.
For instance, seeing an old photograph of themselves as a teenager can trigger disorientation. Because the image does not match their current surroundings, they may begin searching for their childhood home. They leave their house to find it, but unable to find their way, they quickly become lost.
When these episodes become frequent, families often feel as though they are caring for a “different person”. This transformation adds to the emotional toll on carers, particularly since these shifts in mood and behaviour can emerge at any stage of the condition.
Supporting people with dementia
Families can adopt several practical strategies to support a loved one experiencing challenging symptoms like ‘exit-seeking’.
First, stay calm. When an episode occurs, families should work together to de-escalate the situation. The priority is to identify what triggered the behaviour.
One strategy is to limit exposure to environmental triggers. For example, removing photographs or nostalgic items that cause disorientation can help prevent the urge to wander.
Second, avoid leaving a person with dementia home alone, regardless of how independent they may seem. While supervision is necessary, it is important to keep a close but discreet watch to ensure their safety without being intrusive.
Third, families should ensure their loved one carries identification at all times. This could include a copy of their ID card and a note with their name, address, phone number, and an explanation of their condition. These details will help others contact the family if the person gets separated or lost.
Why training is vital for family carers?
Unfortunately, dementia care remains outside Indonesia’s formal healthcare system. This systemic gap forces families to bear the burden alone, often requiring them to find their own training and resources to provide safe, home-based care.
Indonesia can learn from its neighbour, Singapore. By integrating dementia care into its national health system, Singapore ensures that everyone involved — from family members to professional carers — receives formal state support.
Therefore, the Indonesian government should consider a comprehensive approach when developing its dementia care services:
1. Understand the needs: As dementia symptoms differ, studies on what caregivers actually need are critical. We can develop effective training by focusing research on these specific requirements.
2. Deliver accessible, practical training: While Alzheimer’s Indonesia already offers dementia care skills training, new programmes should be integrated into Indonesia’s existing public health framework. By leveraging established village-based, community healthcare empowerment, the government can ensure support reaches those who need it most.
For example, training could be provided for community volunteers (cadres), elderly health posts, and other community networks.
3. Establish dementia care network: Indonesia needs to expand its care networks, focusing on counselling and psychosocial or emotional support. The goal is to help carers maintain their own well-being while providing high-quality care.
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