Fake Bus Stops for People with Dementia: A Unique Approach to Care

Dementia is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and its impact can be deeply challenging not only for those diagnosed but also for their families and caregivers. One of the common behaviors in people with dementia is wandering—walking off without direction, often getting lost or confused. This can be dangerous, especially if they leave a care home or wander into unfamiliar areas. In recent years, some care homes have come up with creative and thoughtful solutions to address this issue, one of which is the use of fake bus stops.

Fake bus stops are used in dementia care homes as a way to help prevent wandering. They create a familiar, safe place where people with dementia can sit and wait, giving caregivers a chance to find them and gently guide them back to safety.

What Are Fake Bus Stops?

Fake bus stops are exactly what they sound like: replicas of real bus stops, complete with signs, benches, and sometimes even shelters. These stops are placed in care homes, often in gardens or hallways, where people with dementia can find them if they wander off. The idea is that someone with dementia, who may become confused or anxious while wandering, will see the bus stop and instinctively sit down to wait for a bus, rather than walking further away or out of the care home.

Caregivers can then easily locate the person, sit down next to them, and have a calming conversation before gently guiding them back indoors. These bus stops offer a simple, non-intrusive solution that taps into a person’s long-term memory of waiting for buses—a memory that often remains intact even as other memories fade.

For example, imagine an elderly man with dementia who used to take the bus to work every day. When he sees the fake bus stop, his mind might take him back to those familiar routines, making him feel more comfortable as he waits. It’s an easier way for caregivers to approach him without causing distress, compared to having staff chase after him if he wandered too far.

Why Are They Used?

Wandering can be one of the more dangerous behaviors for someone with dementia. In many cases, a person may leave a care facility because they believe they need to go somewhere important—like returning to an old job or visiting family. Unfortunately, this can lead to them getting lost or hurt. Fake bus stops serve as a gentle intervention that prevents someone from wandering too far while still respecting their need to feel like they have a purpose.

For example, a person may walk to the bus stop, sit down, and think they’re waiting for transportation. This pause provides the caregivers with an opportunity to step in before the person leaves the premises, which significantly reduces the risk of them getting lost or hurt.

How Do They Help Caregivers?

For caregivers, fake bus stops are incredibly helpful because they offer a non-confrontational way to intervene when a person with dementia becomes confused or restless. Rather than physically restraining someone or limiting their freedom, the bus stop allows them to wait in a safe and familiar setting. Caregivers can then approach the individual calmly, making the situation much easier to handle.

Let’s take a caregiver in a dementia care home in Germany, for instance. Instead of having to chase down residents who leave the home, the caregiver might find a resident sitting quietly at the fake bus stop. They can use this time to talk to the person, find out what’s on their mind, and slowly guide them back without causing fear or frustration. It also gives caregivers a way to manage multiple residents who may be prone to wandering, as they can monitor the fake bus stop area.

Ethical Concerns Around Fake Bus Stops

One common question people have is whether fake bus stops are deceptive. After all, they are tricking people into thinking they are waiting for something that won’t come. Is it ethical to use these fake stops, knowing that they are not real? This is a valid concern and one that is often debated.

On one hand, the use of fake bus stops can be seen as a compassionate solution. People with dementia are often living in a world where their memory and reality are not always aligned with what’s around them. By providing a familiar setting—like a bus stop—you are helping them feel at ease in their own world. It’s about meeting them where they are mentally, rather than trying to pull them back to a reality that might cause confusion or distress.

However, there is another side to the debate. Some argue that it is unfair to deceive people, even if it is well-intentioned. They believe that using fake bus stops could make people feel more disoriented once they realize no bus is coming, or it might even make them feel like they are being treated differently from others, which could lead to feelings of stigma.

Are Fake Bus Stops Harmful?

There is no clear-cut answer to this question because it largely depends on how the fake bus stops are used. In some care homes, they have been a huge success, helping to keep people safe while giving them a sense of independence. The stops are set up in places where people are most likely to wander, and caregivers monitor the area to ensure that people are not left sitting there for long periods.

On the other hand, it is possible that if the bus stops are not properly supervised, they could cause more harm than good. For example, if someone sits at the bus stop for hours waiting for a bus that never comes, it could lead to frustration or confusion. This is why it’s important for care homes to use fake bus stops as part of a broader dementia care strategy that involves regular supervision and interaction with caregivers.

How Widespread Is the Use of Fake Bus Stops?

While fake bus stops are most commonly associated with dementia care homes in Germany, the idea has started to spread to other countries. Some homes in Israel, for example, are exploring the use of these stops as part of their dementia care programs. The concept has also caught the attention of care facilities in the UK and parts of the US. As more care providers recognize the value of offering familiar, calming environments for their residents, it’s likely that fake bus stops will continue to be used in dementia care around the world.

Key Ethical Considerations

Before setting up a fake bus stop in any dementia care facility, it’s important to consider the ethical implications carefully. As a caregiver or decision-maker, you need to weigh the benefits of reducing wandering against the potential risks of confusion or feelings of deception. This means creating a well-rounded care plan that takes into account the individual needs of each resident.

For instance, you could make the fake bus stop part of a broader activity program, where residents are encouraged to “wait” for the bus as a part of a fun game or a calming moment. It’s also crucial to ensure that people who sit at the bus stop are not left waiting for too long, which could lead to frustration or distress.

Some Common Questions You Might Have

• Isn’t it wrong to trick people into thinking they are waiting for a bus? While it might seem deceptive at first glance, the goal is not to trick but to provide comfort. Many people with dementia are not fully aware of their surroundings, and creating a familiar space helps them feel secure. It’s about easing anxiety rather than lying to them.
• What if they get upset when they realize the bus isn’t coming? Caregivers are trained to gently engage with the person before this happens. The bus stop is a tool to provide a moment of calm, giving caregivers a window to approach without causing frustration.
• Do fake bus stops really work? In many cases, yes. Care homes have reported that fake bus stops reduce wandering and help residents feel more comfortable, allowing caregivers to better manage their safety.
• Are they used outside of Germany? Yes, although they are most common in Germany, other countries like Israel, the UK, and the US are starting to use them in dementia care homes.

Key Points to Remember

• Fake bus stops are a tool to reduce wandering in people with dementia.
• They provide a familiar, calming environment where caregivers can intervene gently.
• While they may seem deceptive, their purpose is to comfort, not trick.
• Ethical concerns exist, but with proper use and supervision, they can be highly effective.
• Their use is spreading beyond Germany to other countries looking for creative dementia care solutions.