Walking and Dementia

Many people like to take a walk, go to the shops or exercise the dog. People living with dementia are no different. However, due to the impact of cognitive impairment, a person with dementia may become disorientated to the place they are in, forget the route back to their desired location or decide to head to a location other than was first intended.

For people living with dementia, the freedom, autonomy and choice of taking a walk is an important right that maintains their emotional wellbeing.

Why do people walk?

Like all people, people living with dementia 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

Useful tips to reduce the risk of a person getting lost

Ensure the person has identification and an emergency call number on them – i.e. an ID bracelet or card in a wallet
Consider a GPS device but be aware of their limitations – in particular how often they need to be charged and if they won’t work outside of mobile range
Make a note of what the person is wearing and if they are carrying anything when they leave
If they carry one, ensure they have a mobile phone on them that is charged and switched on
Take note of how long is a normal time for the person to be out walking and set an alarm to alert you if the person is gone longer than normal
If the person is going to the bathroom in a shopping centre, ensure you wait for them in line of sight of the exit
Consider accompanied walks as an alternative, either with friends, family or a community care service provider

Assistive equipment

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

GPS and monitoring devices
- Try to get used to wearing a watch with GPS capability early in the dementia journey
- A waterproof watch will allow it to be worn all the time.
- It is imperative to learn how a GPS device works prior to using it
- Also be aware that some GPS devices use mobile towers to work so do not work outside of mobile reception areas
Emergency Identification and Medic-Alert pendants and bracelets
Door sensors and wireless door monitors
Exit reminders
Motion detectors

What to do if the person becomes lost

If the person has been gone longer than normal, or is not where you expect them to be:

Carry out an immediate search of the area. If in a shopping centre alert the customer information desk straight away
Alert the police if an immediate search fails to find the person. Do not be afraid to alert them quickly. The longer a person is missing the larger a police search area becomes
Ensure you have the person’s details ready when reporting to the police including what they are wearing, their height and weight, their eye and hair colour, any health conditions and any distinguishing features, such as wearing glasses. A recent photo is also very helpful
Have details handy such as previous home addresses and favourite places to visit
Get support for yourself. When a person goes missing it can be a very stressful time for everyone involved

For more information please contact us on 1300 66 77 88 or email us.