As most Sea to Sky Corridor residents likely know, Whistler resident Robert McKean, 80, who has dementia, is missing.
He and his dog went missing on Oct. 9. After a search that included more than 300 search-and-rescue personnel from 21 teams across B.C., as well as help from the RCMP, firefighters, and residents, the search was suspended on Oct. 15, pending further investigation.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for someone with dementia to become disoriented or lost. And given the increasing prevalence of dementia, it will likely become more of a social concern in years to come.
According to the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia, there are expected to be 1.7 million people living with dementia by 2050 in Canada, which is triple the number of people living with dementia recorded in 2020.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia.
Rebecca Frederick, director of community engagement with the Alzheimer Society of B.C, says what many colloquially call ‘wandering away’ isn’t actually aimless behaviour.
“Disorientation is common with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and sometimes, unfortunately, that leads to a person living with the disease becoming lost,” Frederick said.
“It’s important to remember that people experiencing disorientation likely have a reason for going somewhere, even if we can’t understand it."
What to do
Frederick said it is vital to note that when a person living with dementia is lost, it is an emergency.
"If you find somebody who you suspect is disoriented, we ask the public to stay with that person and call 911. Please do not delay," she said. "Likewise, if you know a person living with dementia or are a care partner for somebody living with dementia who goes missing, call 911 right away. This is an emergency."
Frederick notes it is important not to argue with the person or challenge their sense of reality. Instead, work within the person's reality until help arrives.
"Speak slowly and speak clearly," Frederick said. "It can help to sit the person down, perhaps, and do things that are going to keep them as calm as possible while you wait for help to arrive."
For loved ones, understanding why the person with dementia originally left their home before becoming disoriented is as unique as the individual, Frederick said.
"If somebody is often trying to leave the home at 5 p.m. … what is behind that behaviour? What is causing the person to become disoriented? Is it that they were a nightshift worker and often they were leaving for work at 5 p.m.? Is it that they think that they need to get home to their children? Often, there is a reason behind that behaviour."
Ultimately, the community needs to come together to help each other, including those who may be living with dementia, Frederick said.
If you see someone who is inappropriately dressed for the weather or situation—for example, they're wearing a light sweater, and it's quite cool outside, or they are wearing a house coat, and it's the middle of the day—that is a sign a person may be disoriented.
Other disoriented individuals may seem restless. Perhaps they're pacing or making repetitive movements and have difficulty explaining who they are, what they need or where they're going.
Or perhaps they're sitting or standing in the same place for an extended period of time.
These are signs to get involved, call for help, and approach the person, respectfully and politely.
"Sometimes it can be as simple as asking somebody, ‘Do you need help? Are you lost?’" Frederick noted.
Where to learn more or get help
For those who want to learn more, the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C. website has lots of information and resources.
Additionally, the First Link Dementia HelpLine is 1-800-936-6033.
On Friday, Nov. 3, the Squamish Public Library is hosting an introductory workshop with Alzheimer’s BC on “What is Dementia?”
According to the library, topics will include the brain and dementia, practical strategies to live well and how to access resources so that people impacted by dementia have the confidence to navigate the journey ahead.
There’s also a monthly Sea-to-Sky Care Giver Support Drop-in Group.
The library also has four Memory Care Kits available to borrow in the new Library of Things Collection. Each kit includes games, puzzles, tactile and fidget toys, and sensory activities for those experiencing Alzheimer’s, memory loss and dementia.
