When A Person With Dementia Goes Missing

21st August 2025

It is a frightening moment when someone you love, who lives with dementia, cannot be found. For families in Scotland this happens more often than many realise, and while most people are found safe, those first minutes and hours are critical.



The first thing is to search nearby places: the house, garden, garage, even sheds or cupboards. Many people return to routines from their past and head for an old workplaces, shops, previous homes, or school.



If you cannot find them quickly, phone 999 straight away. Ask for the police and say clearly: "I am reporting a vulnerable missing adult with dementia." Give their name, age, a description of what they are wearing, and any medical conditions. If they carry a mobile phone, a GPS device, or a smartwatch, share this information with the police at once. If you can quickly and easily let your neighbours know, that would be excellent, especially if they can look about their own gardens and sheds.



The police will want a recent photograph, details of favourite places or old addresses, and any information about health or medication. Many families prepare this in advance using the Herbert Protocol, which Police Scotland supports. It is simply a form with all the key details ready in case of emergency. https://www.scotland.police.uk/what-s-happening/missing-persons/the-herbert-protocol/



When your loved one is found, try to seem relaxed. They may not realise they were missing and might be confused or distressed. Offer reassurance, food, and rest. Afterwards, think about whether there are new safety steps that might help, from GPS trackers to letting neighbours and shopkeepers know how they can help. And remember, you are not alone. The police will always treat this as urgent.



Useful kit

Bluetooth trackers that you can attach to personal items they never leave behind, like their purse or bag, or their jacket or shoes.
Wrist worn devices like an apple watch or other tracker that allows your location to be tracked by a family member with a smart phone.
"Just checking" sensors that will alert someone as to where you are in the house and will let them know if you go out the front or back door.
The police can track people with their bus pass, credit card, store card.


Check list for use after the first time you have a fright

Take a regular picture on your phone to share as the most recent photo
Fill out a Herbert protocol form and let your neighbours know the problem
Check out and start to use electronic kit
Next time it happens, look nearby first but reach for help right after that
Call 999 and say clearly "I want to report a vulnerable missing adult with dementia"
Tell the police about the technology you have and the Herbert information
And look after yourself as a carer getting support though your local carers' organisation recognising that this is very stressful.

www.juneandrews.net
Professor June Andrews, an internationally recognised dementia expert, academic, and author. Her profound and lasting impact on dementia care spans clinical leadership, public education, policy influence, and practical support for carers.