MISSING PERSONS:  A Guide For Caregivers

By Teresa D. Johnson

 

Wandering is by far the most life-threatening behavior associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia.  Studies estimate that 60 to 70 percent of all Alzheimer’s patients will wander away at some point in their illness. 

             Because more than seven out of every ten Alzheimer’s patients live at home, it is important that caregivers find ways to reduce these incidents and, when they do happen, make it easier for police to respond and locate the missing persons before a tragedy occurs.

 

Before He or She Wanders

There are several things that caregivers can do to reduce the tendency to wander.

· Attend to basic needs, such as hunger, thirst, fear or boredom.

· Be sure the person is comfortable, not too hot or too cold, and does not need to use the bathroom.  Make sure clothing is comfortable and fits properly.

· Make sure the person gets exercise every day.  Take him or her on a daily walk, toss a beach ball or put on music and dance, for example.

· Provide a feeling of safety and routine.  Some people pace or wander to relieve anxiety or restlessness.

· Reduce distractions, limit noise levels from television or loud music and avoid crowds.  If possible, follow a set schedule each day; this may provide a sense of comfort and control.

 

Look for Patterns

Try keeping a written diary or log for several days to help identify any wandering patterns.  If the reason for wandering can be determined, incidents of missing persons can be prevented.

· Once a pattern is identified, look for ways to break the patterns.  If a person wanders at the same time each day—for example, when he or she used to leave for work—try doing something to distract them at that time.

· Remove “trigger” items.  Keep items that signal leaving the house (such as keys or a coat) out of sight.

· Place a sign or drawing on the bathroom door so the person does not wander while looking for the toilet.

· Try covering windows or placing a curtain over doorways to discourage the person from leaving.

· Redirect the person’s attention.  Offer the person a favorite food or drink or involve him or her in a conversation or activity.  If necessary, take stronger security measures to assure the person’s safety.

· Lock doors and windows and put a gate across the stairs.

· Put bells or alarms on all doors so that you can hear if the person attempts to leave.

· Lock up all dangerous items, such as knives, scissors and matches.  Keep car keys hidden.

· Use night lights to guide and reassure the person.

· Allow “comfort” objects, such as a favorite blanket or stuffed animal.

 

“Just in Case”:

Taking Action Before it Happens

Regardless of good intention and attention, accidents happen.  Special precautions can help make it easier to find a person who wanders and return him or her back home.

· Have the person wear an identification bracelet or necklace or carry some other form for identification with his or her name, address and phone number.  The “Medic Alert” program or the National Alzheimer’s Association’s “Safe Return” program are options because they offer jewelry (bracelet and necklaces) that is easily noticed and include a registration program to help anyone finding the person to identify them quickly.  Information on the person’s medical condition and treatment also is available to the rescuer through these programs.

· Write or sew the person’s name, address and phone number in his or her clothing.

· Make sure your neighbors are aware of the person’s condition and ask them to notify you if they see the person out alone.

 

Help Police Help You

Before a Tragedy Occurs

The primary caregiver is the most important resource police can turn to for information they will need about a missing person.  Make it easier for police to locate the person by taking time in advance to gather information vital to their search.

· Complete a questionnaire such as the one included in this newsletter.  Review the information periodically and update it with any new information (such as new medications or dosages) as it becomes available.

· Attach a recent photo of the person.  A close-up of the person’s face as well as a full-length photo would be helpful for police.

· In some cases, police may call in a trained man-tracker or K-9 dog to help find a missing person.

· “Scent” articles and footprint impressions may aid in this type of search.  To obtain a good scent article, have the person place a sock they have just removed in a resealable plastic bag, then store the bag in a secure location.  The sock should be changed every few months so that the scent stays fresh.

 

Keep all of this information in a convenient and safe location where it can be reached immediately.  Make sure anyone assigned to care for the elderly person is aware of where the information is kept.  Having the information readily available will make it easier for police to act quickly. ¥

 

Reprinted from The Information Source for Adult Day Centers®, April 2000.