Strategies to Locate Lost Persons with Dementia: A Case Study of Ontario First Responders

Information on strategies and practices in the search of missing persons with dementia is inconsistent which creates challenges for first responders, such as police, when they choose appropriate search and rescue approaches. The purpose of this study was to describe current strategies among police s...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: N. A. Neubauer, A. Miguel-Cruz, L. Liu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2021-01-01
Series:Journal of Aging Research
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2021/5572764
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Summary:Information on strategies and practices in the search of missing persons with dementia is inconsistent which creates challenges for first responders, such as police, when they choose appropriate search and rescue approaches. The purpose of this study was to describe current strategies among police services in Ontario. Telephone interviews with police were conducted. Questions included what strategies were used for locating missing persons living with dementia, and what gaps exist in search practices. Participants described they used high- and low-tech solutions in search and rescue. They identified gaps in education and awareness, proactive strategies, resources, and funding. Information collected from the interviews was used to develop a practice guideline for police in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Ontario.
ISSN:2090-2204
2090-2212