Choosing Safe Shoes

Just as you check your car tires, it's important to check the treads of the shoes worn by a person with dementia. As the brain has difficulty coordinating movement, you'll probably notice more of a hesitant shuffle. The safest shoes have rough, not smooth, soles that get better traction on surfaces such as linoleum. Ask a shoe repair shop to add traction strips to smooth-soled favorites. Just be careful not to err in the direction of heavy lug soles as seen on certain hiking boots or walking shoes. Treads that are too big and deep get caught on things and can cause falls.