In my years at the PD we encountered people with dementia frequently. Law Enforcement agencies understand the problems with folks who are disoriented and have a list of referral agencies that can connect the person with the right services. At least law enforcement can try to ensure her immediate safety and perhaps can track down relatives to help. They tend to not take "no" for an answer and will force a response from social services one way or another. Good on Bubbatime's supervisor.

Dementia can be brought on by a disease like Alzheimer's but can also be caused by improper doses of medication, diabetic crisis, etc. Often the first indication of early onset Alzheimer's is a person getting lost in their own neighborhood. My Dad lived with Alzheimers for more than 10 years and our first clue was when he got lost going for a walk around the block at our house when he was visiting. With people living longer than ever before this has been a growing and hidden problem for many years and will continue to get worse with an aging population.

I want to say thanks for helping out.


I have first hand experience with two family members that had this terrible disease and it can be very taxing to all involved.

One was my paternal grandfather and one was my maternal grandmother.

My grandmother lived in Southern Ohio and would wonder from the facility and walk miles up and down the hills and cut through farms end up back home. One time they found her sitting at the kitchen table drinking coffee happy as punch.

When I had a real job and piloted a squad car for the County just outside N. VA we had a lot of call outs for people with dementia.

My old agency still operates Project Lifesaver, and it is not just for dementia. Our agency uses it for individuals that have autism, mental health issues etc...

Besides EMS or 911, Adult Protective Services and or the local Community Services Board can be a great source of information and referrals.

Here is a link to NJ elder services.

https://www.state.nj.us/nj/community/senior/

An Aunt with dementia lived with us after her husband died for a couple of years.

It was not an easy experience.

You should call the local PD so they are aware of the problem, for her own protection.

You guys have all nailed it on the head. Call EMS for instant help. I always found a reason to transport to a local ER whom would then find appropriate longer term help.

Thank you for what you did and what you continued to do.