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Dementia and walking


Three seniors walking in a park

The desire to walk around outside is quite normal for most people, including people living with dementia. When you are caring for a person living with dementia it can be difficult to balance a person’s need for independence with concerns about risk and safety. Staying physically and socially active is important for people living with dementia so it is vital to support and enable independence. 

Why we walk

People with dementia, like all people, walk for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Continuing a habit: such as going to work or meeting children after school
  • Relieving boredom
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Relieving discomfort or pain
  • Responding to anxiety
  • Restlessness

When walking, people living with dementia many become confused and disorientated. Involving your loved one with dementia in identifying the reasons why they feel the need to walk around may help you to find other ways to meet their needs.

Helpful hints

Consider the following to keep a person with dementia safe while walking:

  • Know the person’s regular walking route, and how long it usually takes them to walk it
  • Walk with your loved one, or have a friend walk with them
  • Join a walking group for people living with dementia
  • Ensure your loved one wears well-fitting shoes to reduce the risk of a fall
  • Encourage walking during the day and in areas where there are usually other people

Decide together on any changes to routine or environment, ensuring that any changes are individual, simple, and dignified.

If a person with dementia becomes confused or disoriented while walking this can lead to them becoming lost, even if they are in previously familiar surroundings.

  • A person living with dementia who walks regularly should carry identification which includes their name, address and an emergency contact number.
  • Encourage your loved one to wear an identification bracelet, have identification and emergency contact details in their wallet or purse, or carry a phone while walking.
  • It can be helpful for you to have a recent photograph on your loved one in the event of an emergency. 

Assistive technology

There are a number of assistive technology devices available to help keep people living with dementia safe. Be sure to involve the person with dementia in any decisions to implement assistive technology. A GPS device is no use if the person with dementia does not want to wear it.

  • Emergency Identification and Medic-Alert pendants and bracelets
  • GPS and monitoring devices, including watches and phones
  • Door sensors and wireless door monitors
  • Exit reminders
  • Motion detectors

For support on your dementia journey, information about dementia and how to access services to support you and your loved ones please contact our customer support team on 1300 66 77 88 or support@alzheimerswa.org.au.

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