Dementia, wandering and safer walking
Older people with dementia or memory loss are at risk of going missing. Wandering is quite common among people with dementia. The person’s failing memory and declining ability to communicate may make it impossible for them to remember or explain the reason they wandered or how to get home.
The greatest risk associated with wandering is that the person with dementia leaves the safety of their home unaccompanied and gets lost and goes missing.
Find out more about missing persons and dementia.
Some States and Territories have a program designed to return a missing person with dementia home safely, providing quick and accurate identification of a missing person.
Alzheimer's Australia - Safe return programs
Safe return programs may provide a personalised stainless steel bracelet, designed to be worn at all times by the person with dementia. The bracelet features a toll free telephone number and personal identification number linked to the State police's 'Safely Home' database. The database is accessible by Police 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It includes a detailed description of the person with dementia, photo, contact information, previous residential addresses and locations the person may visit. All details on the database are confidential.
When someone finds the missing person, they can simply look at the bracelet, telephone the police and quote the personal identification number. The police then make arrangements for the person to be returned safely home.
Carers can use safe return programs to instigate a search for the person with dementia by contacting their local police station and filing a missing persons report. The police initiate a search using information on the database.
Select your state for more information:
New South Wales – The Safely Home Project
Victoria – Safe Return Home
South Australia – Safe Return
Northern Territory – Safe Return Program
Western Australia – Safe2Walk
Identity, Early Stage and Companion Cards
These cards are available at no cost and can be obtained by calling the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
To find out more contact Alzheimer's Australia or call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.
Red Cross Dementia Alarm Service
Red Cross Dementia Alarm Service is for people with dementia or memory problems who may become lost and are unable to return home without assistance.
The service aims to assist carers and to reduce the danger for people who wander, and to maximise the potential for a timely and successful search for the missing person.
The watch and alarm system consists of a watch which will trigger the alarm unit beyond a set radius. This alerts the carer to check the whereabouts of the person in their care.
A fee does exist for this service and Red Cross offers a range of flexible payment options.
Phone: 02 6234 7634