I can understand your dad because there is a resident at my wife's home where all day long he would wander around seemingly checking windows a wall fixtures.
Yes and sometimes when you know of the resident's pre dementia working life some of these 'checking' or what may seem odd things they do can clearly be linked to what they may have done for many years. On the other hand like dad it may also be just that he was continually trying doors and windows to look for an escape route. I once arrived to find dad heading a group of 3 other wanderers down the corridor so I waited and watched...he arrived at the door first and started trying the door...no conversation took place...the other 3 then tried and I had to smile because I could imagine dad thinking and saying if he could 'don't worry chaps I have this sorted I will get us out' . Anyway I digress...good luck with your project let us know how it goes.