Can My Parent with Dementia Still Go for Walks Alone?

For many people living with dementia, walking is not only a form of gentle exercise, it’s also a source of joy, routine, and independence. But for families and carers, allowing a loved one to go out alone can raise serious concerns about safety, especially when the risk of wandering is involved. So how do you balance freedom with protection?

In this article, we explore whether it’s safe for someone with dementia to go for walks alone, and what steps you can take to support them if they do.

Understanding the Risks of Walking with Dementia

Wandering is a common behaviour in people with dementia, often caused by confusion, anxiety, or simply the desire to follow a remembered routine (read more about why dementia wandering happens). Even someone in the early stages of dementia might get lost in a familiar area or become disoriented unexpectedly.

That doesn’t necessarily mean solo walks are off the table. But it does mean taking precautions is crucial.

Is It Safe for Them to Go Alone?

The answer depends on the person and the progression of their dementia. Ask yourself:

• Do they still recognise familiar landmarks?
• Have they ever become lost or confused while out?
• Can they communicate clearly if they need help?
• Are they steady on their feet and physically able?

If you’re unsure about the answers to these questions, it might be time to reconsider unsupervised walks, or at least look for ways to make them safer.

Steps You Can Take to Support Safe Walking

If you’ve assessed that your parent with dementia is still safe to walk alone, but you’d like the added peace of mind that comes with knowing where they are and that you’ll be alerted if they have a fall, then follow these five steps:

1. Use a GPS Tracker Watch
Devices like our dementia watch can give families peace of mind, especially if you select the lockable wrist strap so that it can’t be removed. These watches allow you to monitor your loved one’s location in real-time, set safe zones (known as geofencing), and receive alerts if they fall or wander too far.

2. Establish Safe Routes
Stick to well-known, short routes with clear landmarks. If possible, walk the route together a few times until it becomes second nature.

3. Notify Trusted Neighbours
Let nearby residents or shopkeepers know your loved one may be walking in the area. That way, if something seems off, someone may be able to help.

4. Consider a Walking Companion
A regular walking buddy, whether a friend, volunteer, or carer, can help preserve independence while reducing risk.

5. Create an ID Card or Wearable Tag
Include their name, diagnosis, and a contact number. Some GPS watches include this information digitally, but a physical backup is useful too.

When to Reconsider Walking Alone

Even with safety measures in place, there may come a time when walking alone is no longer safe. Signs include:

• Getting lost on previously familiar routes
• Returning home confused or anxious
• Physical unsteadiness or falls
• Difficulty communicating with others

It’s important to make these decisions with empathy. Replacing solo walks with accompanied ones can still offer a sense of freedom and routine, just with more reassurance

Final Thoughts

Yes, many people with dementia can continue to enjoy walking, even alone in the early stages. The key is to regularly reassess safety, use supportive tools like GPS tracker watches, and make adjustments when needed.

Balancing independence with protection isn’t always easy, but it is possible. If you’re unsure where to start, we’re here to help with expert guidance and practical tools designed to support you and your loved one.

Learn more about our Perfect Alert Dementia Tracker Watch.