My thanks to everyone at Walmart today. DH always drives their electric carts with no problem. He always goes to the markdown bakery section and I meet him there. I had to pick up one item a few aisles over. When I got to the bakery section he wasn't there. Walked up/down the aisles and couldn't find him. Walked all over the store - couldn't find him. Went outside - not there. Reported him missing and asked that they announce his name and ask him to come to the front of the store. Gave them a description and what he waswearing and Immediately, all cashiers were notified, all clerks on the floor were notified, bathroom checked, people went outside to look - it was amazing! After about 5 minutes after I reported this, I saw him at the front way up on the other end from where we went in. He was talking to a cashier when I found him. He didn't hear them announce his name, but was telling the clerk that his WIFE WAS MISSING and he couldn't find her! His arms were jerking, and he was very pale. I think he had a TIA and then panicked. Don't know where he left the cart because it wasn't with him.
He seems to be okay now but very tired. Guess this is one more thing I will have to do - stay right with him every minute.
But I was very impressed with how Walmart handled this.
I am glad that things went well. My DW can not operate anything. I usually goto the center of the store where there is a bench, she sits there with the cart and I run around getting what we need. She has been lost there before, ans now she stays put.
vickie, its good he was located safe but a bit shaken. we say if often here, that the first times they wander off or get lost, its quite scary. for them AND us. unfortunately it means we cant leave them on their own anymore. our freedom goes with it. divvi
Yes, one more freedom gone, both for him and me. He never gave me problems about not driving, but I have a feeling he will if I don't let him drive the electric cart. He won't get in a wheelchair, and shuffles when he walks, so don't know how I'll handle this. And, he doesn't remember this happening today. But...I should have listened to him before we went in the store. He said he was going to sit in the car - I said no, it's too hot, just go sit on a bench, but then he wanted the cart, so I thought he was okay. But when he said he was going to sit in the car - he never says that! So, I should have know something wasn't right with him. Live and learn.
Vickie, I am glad that it all worked out, but I know how you feel. It happened to us, but I found him before I had to notify anyone. Now, of course I try not to let him out of my sight, but he stops & talks to anyone who makes eye contact with him & if I’m not paying attention I can be 3 aisles over & not notice that he isn’t with me. When we go shopping I just want to get what we need & leave, but it doesn’t happen that way.
Years ago when this site first started there was a thread about putting a tether on our wandering LO when taking them out. At first thought it is demeaning-but if it means safely leaving the house it deserves a second thought.
I have a problem with dizziness. It is especially tricky now as I have to turn my head every few minutes to make sure Gord is right behind me. If I don't, he is gone. It is not always possible to hold his hand. I have had to call 911 at least 5 times over the past year. One police woman knows me by name. They have always been amazing but it is scary. You are right. Another freedom lost.
I lost Jeff in Bed, Bath & Beyond once. I paid too much attention to the credit card swiping gizmo and he took off after some other head the color of mine, I guess. That was panic. I found him outside and across the street.
We can't always blame ourselves for them wandering off. We are one person and they can become lost in a NH. My DH is in an Alzheimer's unit...but gets lost. Quickly! He still paces the hallway and everyone watches out for him...but, when he gets tired, he just gets into the closest bed he sees. One time they had just gotten a lady out of bed and into a wheelchair. That is the bed he picked. Maybe, he wanted her warm spot :)
One of my great-grandsons (22 months) has a backpack with a bear or some critter on it. it has a long tail (so it must not be an authentic bear), which is the leash. I've threatened to buy one of those for my hb--threat wasn't made in front of him, of course.
DH is usually good in stores-follows me with the shopping cart and says "I'm right behind you". However he took a midnight stroll a few weeks ago, so I called the local sheriff's office and enrolled him in the Project Lifesaver program. They put a gps bracelet on the person (I opted for his ankle so he doesn't see it everyday when he wears socks) and thought surely he would have cut it off by now, but thank god he hasn't. I feel he's much safer because he can be tracked should he ever go out again at night or get lost anywhere.
So glad your DH is safe and kudos to Walmart--it's the same way stores put out an alert for children--can't take your eyes off them for a moment. I also 'lost' my DH a couple of times when I knew he was perfectly OK!
hey get one of those luggage finders from Pennys,pin it on spouse an you carry reciever,ya click it an theres a loud beep from the other end,I think it would work in stores,no good outside if the distance is too great
WHEW!!!! Glad it all worked out Vickie. It is soooo frightening when that happens. My heart still races when I think back on those "lost" times. I like the luggage finder idea, I wonder is it loud enough to hear in a crowded store?