Walking About and Dementia

Introduction

• Walking is common in individuals with dementia and can be beneficial for stress relief and exercise.

• It often indicates underlying needs that carers should understand for the individual's well-being.

Understanding Walking

• The term "wandering" can be misleading; walking usually has a purpose.

• Behaviors include repeated movement within the house or leaving the house at various times.

Concerns Amidst Walking

• Disorientation and confusion about the environment heighten safety concerns.

Possible Reasons for Walking

• Identifying underlying needs through observation (e.g., journaling) is crucial.

• Key reasons include:

  • Continuing past habits or interests.

  • Relieving boredom or insufficient physical activity.

  • Alleviating pain or discomfort.

  • Responding to anxiety, agitation, or stress.

  • Feeling lost, especially in new settings.

  • Restlessness (dementia symptom or medication side effect).

  • Memory loss.

  • Searching for past fulfillment.

  • Confusion about the time (e.g., mistaking night for day).

Support Strategies for Specific Reasons:

1. Habit/Interest: Accompany walks, seek help from others.

2. Boredom: Engage in games, hobbies, or daily chores.

3. Lack of Physical Activity: Encourage exercise equipment, walking to shops, gardening; promote outdoor exposure.

4. Pain/Discomfort: Consult a GP if pain is suspected; check for environmental discomforts.

5. Anxiety: Encourage discussion of feelings; provide reassurance.

6. Feeling Lost: Provide familiar items in new environments.

7. Restlessness: Review medications with GP; address conditions like restless leg syndrome.

8. Memory Loss: Keep belongings visible, use note reminders for outings.

9. Seeking Past: Discuss feelings rather than correcting, reinforcing identity.

10. Time Confusion: Use large clocks with AM/PM; adjust lifestyle habits.

Encouraging Independence

• It's vital to promote independence, accepting some degree of risk collaboratively with carers.

• Prioritize quality of life and dignity while reducing risks, considering residential safety.

Strategies for Support

• Enable safe walking solutions, such as planned social activities through support organizations.

• Avoid locking doors without careful consideration (e.g., fire safety).

• Minimize restrictions, prioritizing dignity, and using less restrictive alternatives like distraction.

• Avoid using medications to constrain movement due to potential adverse effects.

Tips for Carers to Limit Risks

• Utilize secure gardens for safe outdoor walking.

• Explore local volunteer help.

• Guide gently instead of confronting when individuals want to leave.

• Ensure the person carries identification or emergency contacts.

• Engage trusted community members to watch out.

• Share concerns with other caregivers in day care or residential settings.

In Case of Disappearance

• Stay calm and inform local authorities with a current photograph.

• Support the person emotionally post-recovery; avoid reprimands.

• Reinforce routines and familiar settings after distressing events.

• Understand that walking behaviors can be transient.

Useful Resources

• MedicAlert: Provides identification for individuals with medical conditions.

• Walk 4 Life: NHS initiative for local walks and groups.

Legal Disclaimer

• This information is for general advice and not a substitute for professional guidance; regularly reviewed by the Alzheimer's Society.