My mom wants to go to her garden but I’m worried she’ll wander off — how do I keep her safe?

August 2026

Watching your mom lose her independence, especially when it affects something she loves, is one of the hardest parts of this journey. As dementia progresses, the world can start to shrink, and familiar activities become harder to do safely; the things that once brought joy and purpose can feel out of reach. That loss of independence often affects mood and anxiety too, which is why finding ways to keep her connected to the things she cares about matters so much.

Safety and independence can feel like they are pulling in opposite directions, but they don’t have to. The goal is not to keep your mom inside. It is to put the right structure in place so she can keep doing the things that matter to her, for as long as possible.

Here are a few simple ways to do that:

• Garden Together. A Lizzy Care Companion can be with your mom in the garden, providing one-to-one support while she does what she loves. Supervised outdoor activity is one of the most effective ways to balance her need for independence with the real risks that come with wandering, and having a consistent, familiar companion can make a real difference to her confidence and sense of wellbeing.
• Bring the Garden Inside. On harder days, potted plants, an indoor herb garden, or sorting seeds at the kitchen table can still offer the calm, hands-on engagement that gardening provides, without the safety concerns.
• Consider a GPS Device. A GPS watch or a small tracker, like an AirTag, gives you a way to know where she is without having to restrict her movement.  It lets her have some freedom while giving you peace of mind.
• Explore Local Programs. Some community organizations offer structured outdoor activities for people living with dementia in safe, enclosed settings. These can be a great way to stay active and connected to nature alongside others who understand her experience.

Remember, these are not ways of limiting her. They are ways of helping her stay herself for as long as possible.

Each month, Dr. Marc Rothman, our CEO and a seasoned geriatric expert, addresses your concerns, providing practical advice and compassionate solutions to the challenges faced by those caring for loved ones with dementia. Whether you’re looking for strategies to manage daily care routines or need clarity on medical aspects of dementia, Dr. Marc is here to help. Join us to explore his responses to community questions and submit your own queries to deepen your understanding and enhance your caregiving journey.

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