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Dementia and cognitive impairment

A cognitive impairment is any difficulty a person experiences in their ability to think, learn, remember, use judgement and make decisions. It is a broad term that can encompass various levels of impairment, from mild to severe, and can be caused by a wide range of factors. People with cognitive impairments (including those with dementia) can be at greater risk from wandering and getting lost as a result.

If a person suffering from dementia/cognitive impairment goes missing or wandering

  • Do not wait 24 hours. Call 111 immediately to report the person missing.
  • Make sure someone is available to speak to Police when they arrive.
  • Be prepared to answer questions from Police and search teams, such as:
    • history of previous wandering
    • missing person's state of mind
    • the last three addresses that the missing person lived at
    • any registered wandering devices or bracelets
    • known frequented places.
  • You will also need to file a report at a police station.

Visit your nearest police station.
See more about how to report a person missing.

How dementia/cognitive impairment affects behaviour

People with dementia/cognitive impairment are at risk of wandering and getting lost because they become disoriented. Additionally, they may be restless, agitated and possibly anxious, which can also escalate their distress and confusion. Once lost they are in danger of injury and even death from falls, accidents and exposure. The acute medical conditions associated with these conditions compound the likelihood of serious negative outcomes. Disturbed sleep patterns can result in unexpected wandering at night.

Some people with dementia/cognitive impairment can believe they are looking for something (such as a familiar place, a familiar person or something to eat) or think they need to fulfil former obligations. This results in goal-driven wandering which can be industrious and purposeful, where the person is searching for something or someone.

Others may engage in random wandering, which can sometimes have no real purpose. They may be attracted by something initially then become quickly distracted by something else.

Safer Walking

The Safer Walking Framework is an initiative coordinated by Land Search and Rescue New Zealand.  It is about supporting, educating, and reducing the risk of people that, potentially or actually, get lost or go missing due to dementia, neurodivergence or disability in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Safer Walking website has a wealth of information available.

Wander Search

WanderSearch is a system within the Safer Walking framework that is made up of a radio frequency (RF) device that people who are at risk of going missing wear. The tracking devices are small pendants in the form of a necklace, belt attachment or watch, worn by the wandering person. Police and LandSAR Volunteers throughout New Zealand use search equipment designed to detect these devices to assist them locate the missing person in the speediest manner possible. LandSAR works in partnership with all the Wander Search groups to provide guidance, support and training throughout New Zealand.

If a person wearing the device goes missing, Police SAR will be notified immediately and the person tracked using the device. This has proved successful for Police and families.

For more information contact any Police SAR coordinator through your nearest police station. You can also find further information on the Wander Search New Zealand website.

How to help Police - the Safer Walking Profile

The Safer Walking Profile is a risk reduction tool designed for anyone who is at risk of going wandering and getting lost as a result. It is a form that contains vital information about the person at risk which can be given to the police at the time the person is reported missing.

Safer Walking Profile form

 

Safer Walking Profile FAQs

Who decides who is at risk?

The judgement should be based on your professional opinion or knowledge of your family member.

Who completes the form?

The person at risk, or their family, can fill in the form; or in a care setting, the care provider. Please seek permission from the person at risk; if this is not possible talk to a person authorised to give permission on their behalf. If neither is possible, the care provider should make a ‘best interests’ assessment. The form should be completed and regularly updated, so that all the information is as relevant as possible.

When should the form be completed?

As soon as possible. It is important to check and update the information in the form regularly so it is current.

When should the form be sent to the police?

The police only need the form at the point the person is reported missing. There is no need to hand it to police before then and the form will be returned once the person is found.

Where should the form be stored?

It should be stored securely in the care setting, in accordance with data protection laws, but where you can find it quickly. Check and update the information in the form regularly.

Printed or electronic form?

You can download the form electronically from the Safer Walking website. A paper copy will need to be handed to the police officer who attends to take the missing person's report.

What should a care provider do if the person goes missing?

After you have conducted an ‘open door’ search of the address, grounds and outbuildings and you believe a person is missing, alert the police at the earliest opportunity. If you believe that the person missing is at a high risk of harm, please call 111. Tell the police operator that you have the Safer Walking Profile.

 

Useful websites

Alzheimers New Zealand and Dementia New Zealand provide support, information and contacts for people with dementia and their carers, family, whānau and community.