ABSTRACT
Aim: To examine the efficacy of strategies used by the police for missing persons with dementia. Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines, we searched peer-reviewed and gray literature of existing police practices used for missing persons with dementia. Data from the studies were analyzed descriptively. Results: The literature described 16 articles and 18 websites. Strategies ranged from identification tools, successful field techniques, locating technologies and community engagement/education. Overall scientific evidence was low, with only three studies evaluating the usability and effectiveness of the suggested strategies. Conclusion: More rigorous research is required to demonstrate the efficacy of best police practices for missing persons with dementia, which in turn could assist in the development of a best practice guideline.
Subject(s)
Dementia/psychology , Police/psychology , Rescue Work/methods , Wandering Behavior/psychology , Humans , Internet/trends , Police/trends , Rescue Work/trends , Wandering Behavior/trendsABSTRACT
As the U.S. population ages, the prevalence of dementia will grow and communities will face the problem of older adults wandering or becoming lost. Silver Alert systems are programs designed to locate missing older adults with dementia or other mental disabilities. Such programs have been initiated in all but five states. Data collection for these programs is often minimal or incomplete. Social workers should be involved in prevention, follow up and education with caregivers, community members and law enforcement officers. When reviewing Silver Alert policy, special attention must be given to ethical concerns and protection of older adults' civil rights.
