16 A guide to understanding dementia Is it safe for the person to leave the house? If a person with dementia wants to leave the house, you should try to find a solution that lets them do so safely. With a visiting or Live-in Carer from Independent People Homecare, they can help a loved one take a walk safely. You may be able to get help through a local service, group or organisation that helps people with dementia to take part in leisure activities, including walking. How can I prevent the person from running away from me in public? It’s not unusual for those living with dementia to want to retain their independence – and this may cause them to want to physically run away from you (and, indirectly, the constraints that are being placed on them). If this happens, don’t visibly chase them, as this will make them feel as though they are being treated like a child. Follow them calmly, and remain as far away as you can. Remember that they may not recognise you, so they may react with distress if they feel they are being followed by someone they don’t know. Q Q There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to care for someone with dementia – every person has their own unique needs.