Independent Years

How to respond when a loved one with dementia goes missing

By @independentyears

When a person with dementia wanders away from home, the first few hours are critical. Panic can cloud judgment, and a delayed or unfocused response can be the difference between a short walk and a serious emergency. Knowing what to do before it happens, and having a plan ready, gives a family the best chance of a safe, swift reunion. This article lays out the immediate actions to take if someone goes missing, the tools that can help prevent wandering, and the practical step