Dementia and Walking About: Understanding Why and How Best to Support

If someone you support is living with dementia, you may notice them walking around more than usual, sometimes with no clear purpose. This behaviour, often called “wandering” or “walking about,” can be worrying but it is also common and, in many cases, a natural part of daily life. Understanding why it happens and how to respond can help keep them safe, while preserving their independence and wellbeing.

Why Walking About Happens

Walking about can have many underlying causes. Recognising the reason behind the walking can be helpful in understanding and managing safety.

• Routine and familiarity: Walking can be comforting and part of a daily rhythm.

• Physical activity: People with dementia may have a strong need to move or release energy.

• Memory and curiosity: They may be looking for something, someone or drawn to familiar places or act on memories of the past.

• Emotional regulation: Walking can help reduce anxiety, agitation, or boredom.

• Time orientation: Being outside may help to orientate them in the time of day or the seasons.

• Feeling unwell or in pain: They may be trying to move to alleviate discomfort or pain which might not be immediately obvious or difficult to communicate.

• Difficulty sleeping: If they walk a lot at night this could be a sign that they find it difficult to sleep.

Supporting Walking Safely

Walking should not always be prevented. With thoughtful support, it can remain a positive, healthy and safe activity:

• Use technology: Devices like a GPS tracker watch can provide some peace of mind.

• Supervised walks: A companion can regularly accompany the person, allowing for a safe walk while also giving the carer a break.

• Practical measures: Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and identification (which includes, name, diagnosis and a contact number) can provide some reassurance.

• Purposeful activity: Structured walks like visiting a local garden, shops, or park can provide stimulation, social contact, and meaning.

When to Take Action

Walking about becomes a concern when safety or health may be at risk:

• They leave home unexpectedly or repeatedly go missing.

• Confusion or disorientation increases significantly.

• Physical hazards are present, such as busy roads or unsafe terrain.

• There are sudden changes in health or behaviour affecting safety.

In these cases, early discussion with healthcare professionals, social workers, or legal advisors can help put practical measures in place.

Balancing Independence and Safety

Walking can play a valuable role in wellbeing: it encourages movement, reduces restlessness, and supports a sense of independence. By supporting safe walking rather than restricting it, families and professionals can maintain both safety and quality of life.

Introducing a companion for walks can provide reassurance, structure, and companionship for the person with dementia and give carers or family some peace of mind and time for themselves.

If you are looking for support or companionship for yourself or the person you love, please get in touch with us at Plan with Care.