National Missing Persons Week is a week aimed at raising awareness of the thousands of people reported missing each year across Australia and the issues that surround and impact on this important topic.
As is the case each year, the Queensland Police Service supports the work of the Australian Federal Police National Missing Persons Coordination Centre and their work with National Missing Persons Week, which will this year run from August 3-9.
This year the focus of the week is on older people living with dementia or memory loss and the increased risk they have of becoming a missing person.
In Queensland, the campaign is being supported by Alzheimer’s Australia (Qld) in order to highlight the links between missing persons and dementia. In Queensland alone over 55,800 persons are living with dementia and dementia related illness.
In Queensland, an average of 6,500 people are reported missing each year with the Queensland police recovery rate for 2013 being 99.7%. Approximately 5% of missing persons are 60 years and over.
“Of the 6,500 people reported missing, almost 300 were older persons and some of these are living with dementia. These persons are a high risk of wandering and becoming disorientated which places them at risk in our environment. This is certainly concerning for us, but is something that can be prevented. Thankfully the large majority of people reported missing are located quickly, however there are some cases that end tragically.
“Proactive police work and assistance from the community and family quite often lead to this quick recovery, which to us is the most important outcome. Of course timely reporting by police and community members staying alert and calling police have helped us recover many older people who may have just wandered away from their home,” Detective Senior Sergeant Damien Powell of the Missing Persons Unit said.
The Queensland Police Service is currently working with Alzheimer’s Australia (Qld) on an important initiative they hope will not only help prevent people with dementia going missing, but also contribute to the timely recovery of those who unfortunately, do go missing.
Alzheimer’s Australia (Qld) spokesperson, Kerry Cutting, said the bracelets will give peace of mind to those caring for people with dementia.
“Caring for another person is a huge responsibility, and when they go missing it can be incredibly distressing, especially if the person you’re caring for is a loved one. These bracelets are not only a safe guard for those who do go wandering, but a great peace of mind for those caring for someone with dementia.” Ms Cutting said.
“Without a medical breakthrough the prevalence of dementia in Queensland expected to increase by 345% by 2050, so it’s a critical time to raise awareness of the terminal disease,” she said.
The Safely Home initiative involves a bracelet that can be worn by anyone living with this illness or where there are concerns for a person’s safety. Information can be retrieved about the person by police or a community member and can assist in reuniting the person with their loved ones much quicker.
The bracelets will be available through Alzheimer’s Australia (Qld) at a small cost. Each bracelet is uniquely numbered to enable the wearer to be identified by police when located. The bracelet is designed so that it can only be removed using two hands to prevent the wearer from inadvertently removing it.
Police also rely on members of the community who have a friend or family member living with this illness to keep in constant communication. Check in on them regularly, ensure you have current photographs and consider installing a duress system to help in an emergency type situation.
Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses, which cause a progressive decline in a person’s mental functioning. It is a broad term, which describes a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills and normal emotional reactions.
Anyone who fears a member of their family has gone missing or fit this description should report the matter to police. By providing as much information as possible, including description, age, gender, height, clothing and even a photograph you can assist police in finding your family member quickly.
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.