A model of the human brain, illustrating how dementia may occur.  © Can Stock Photo / srikijtA model of the human brain, illustrating how dementia may occur. © Can Stock Photo / srikijt
Windsor

How you can help someone with dementia who is lost

The local Alzheimer's Society has some tips for helping someone with dementia who may be lost, after a Windsor man was brought home by a Good Samaritan.

According to the man's daughter, the 83-year-old went missing for over eight hours late Thursday night. The man was driving to his south Windsor home when he somehow got lost and ended up with car trouble in Essex. A passing driver stopped when the man flagged him down around 2:30 a.m. Friday, picked the man up and brought him home safely.

Rosemary Fiss, director of programs for the Alzheimer's Society Windsor and Essex County, tells BlackburnNewsWindsor.com that it is not uncommon for those suffering dementia to become lost at one time or another.

"Three out of five people with dementia will get lost at some point throughout their journey," said Fiss. "That can happen at any point in time. That person might get disoriented, they might not be able to find their way home. Even in familiar surroundings, all of a sudden they get themselves into a situation where they can't quite navigate in a way that they're used to doing so."

If a person finds themself in a situation in which they encounter a person who may be visibly lost or confused, Fiss says there is a careful approach to helping them.

"Speaking slowly and calmly, and that you're using short simple words," said Fiss. "Ask yes-or-no questions, not questions that need a whole, long answer to them, and allow people time to respond recognising that that person is probably very stressed and anxious."

Fiss added that you should also tell the person your name, explain calmly why you approached them, and not correct them or get confrontational. She also recommended calling 911, giving the police all the pertinent information, and staying with the person until the police arrive. When they do, Fiss said to allow them to use their training and take the situation from there.

The Alzheimer's Society says 1.1-million Canadians are affected, one way or another, by dementia. For comprehensive information, visit their official website.

The man's family is still looking for the Good Samaritan who stopped to pick him up. If you are this person or know who he is, send a note to the BlackburnNews.com newsroom or contact Windsor police.

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