Managing Risks of Disappearance in Persons Living with Dementia

The Managing Risks of Disappearance in Persons Living with Dementia (MRDPD) project builds capacities, partnerships and coordination of search and rescue (SAR) personnel, first responders, and communities to manage risks of going missing among persons living with dementia. The goal of this free learning resource is for first responders to gain a broader understanding of persons living with dementia, their risk of getting lost and how to approach and manage dementia-related missing incidents. With this objective, the following learning resources are available for those who wish to participate in additional training.

There are three modules that relate to a person with dementia going missing:

1. Pre-Missing Incident
2. During the Missing Incident
3. Post-Missing Incident

The materials that are available to you include videos, tip sheets, and additional resources for your review.

When you have completed this free learning resource, you will be able to:

• Gain a better understanding of dementia, its signs and symptoms, prevalence, associated risks, and impact on family and care partners
• Gain a better understanding of dementia from an indigenous perspective, recognizing different perspectives on aging and dementia
• Learn about the potential risks for persons living with dementia
• Become familiar with the statistics related to persons living with dementia going missing
• Explore strategies for prevention and how we can reduce the risk of going missing
• Learn how to approach and manage dementia-friendly encounters, including what to do when someone is having a responsive behaviour
• Explore communication techniques that can be used in encountering a person living with dementia
• Hear firsthand from First Responders engaged with person living with dementia/experience a search along with First Responders
• Explore the basic concepts and tips for search and rescue, discussing both rural and urban searches as well as environmental considerations such as geography and the season
• Learn new tips for how to engage with a person living with dementia when they are found
• Learn how search techniques may vary depending on the resources available
• Become more familiar with the different resources and education available across Canada for first responders, persons living with dementia, and care partners
• Continue learning to keep up to date with new technology options and other resources
• Learn the importance of connecting people with local organizations and resources in the community
• Hear personal stories from other colleagues and First Responders