The Rise in Missing Seniors Across Canada

WHEN SENIORS WANDER — KEEPING LOVED ONES SAFE AT HOME

Every family cherishes the small routines that make life feel normal: a morning walk around the block, a chat with the neighbour, a quick errand to pick up milk. For many Canadians living with dementia, those simple moments of freedom can quietly turn into emergencies when they lose their way.

If you or someone you love is navigating memory loss, here is a clear look at why wandering is on the rise, the real‑world impact on families, and the practical steps you can take today to keep everyone safe.

THE NUMBERS NO ONE CAN IGNORE

Missing‑person alerts for older adults now arrive daily in Canadian news feeds:

• Montréal police handled 442 missing‑person cases involving people 60 + in the first nine months of 2023—double the figure from 2020.
• Manitoba RCMP logged 105 missing seniors by late 2023, a 72 % jump in a single year.
• In Ontario, provincial police estimate they respond to two missing‑senior calls every day.

Behind every statistic is a family pacing the hallway, hoping the next phone call brings good news.

WHY DO SENIORS WANDER?

1. Dementia’s invisible compass shift
   Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias damage the brain regions that control memory and spatial awareness. A familiar route can suddenly feel foreign.
2. More Canadians aging at home
   Roughly three‑quarters of people diagnosed with dementia live in the community, not long‑term care. Independence is invaluable—but it also means fewer staff on hand if something goes wrong.
3. Loneliness and routine
   Daily walks relieve boredom and anxiety. As the brain struggles to recognize landmarks, that same routine can become a trap.
4. Post‑pandemic mobility
   During lockdowns, wandering incidents dropped. Now that public life is open again, cases have returned to—and in some regions surpassed—pre‑pandemic levels.
5. Lack of awareness
   Many families discover the risk only after a loved one wanders for the first time. In those early hours, every minute counts.

WHAT WANDERING LOOKS LIKE IN REAL LIFE

• EARL, 81, WINNIPEG
  Earl stepped outside on a brisk December morning and never came back. His family searched for over a year before learning he had likely succumbed to the elements only a few kilometres from home.
• LIFANG, 69, COQUITLAM
  Lifang vanished during an afternoon stroll. More than 100 volunteers scoured forests and construction sites. Five days later a backyard gardener spotted her—hungry, confused, but alive.

These stories illustrate two outcomes: a heartbreaking loss and a life saved by quick community action.

HOW YOU CAN REDUCE RISK AT HOME

• Secure exit points
  Install door chimes or motion sensors. A simple ding can alert you the moment someone steps out.
• Use identification every day
  Choose easy‑to‑wear medical ID bracelets or shoe tags engraved with a name and phone number. In an emergency, first responders make faster contact.
• Add location technology
  GPS bracelets, smart insoles, and services such as Holo Alert send real‑time location updates to caregivers. Geo‑fence features push an instant notification if someone strays beyond a safe zone.
• Create a daily check‑in plan
  A neighbour, friend, or family member calls or texts at set times. If there’s no response, they know to follow up.
• Keep a recent photo on hand
  Police and volunteers need a clear image—preferably taken within the last month—to begin an accurate search.

COMMUNITY TOOLS THAT SAVE LIVES

• Silver Alert Programs
  Already in use in Manitoba, Silver Alerts broadcast missing‑senior details to phones and highway signs. Alberta, Ontario, and B.C. are studying province‑wide rollouts.
• Vulnerable‑Person Registries
  Cities such as Toronto, Halifax, Windsor, and Saskatoon let caregivers pre‑register medical details and favourite places. Officers access that file instantly when a call comes in.
• Search‑and‑Rescue Volunteers
  Local SAR teams receive special training to track seniors on foot, often in coordination with drones, dogs, and thermal cameras.

TECHNOLOGY IS PART OF THE ANSWER

Holo Alert’s in‑home sensors learn normal movement patterns and flag unusual activity—like an exterior door opening at 2 a.m.—before a situation escalates. When paired with a mobile device, caregivers receive both in‑home and on‑the‑go protection without intrusive cameras.

BUILD A STRONG SUPPORT NETWORK

• Start or join a phone‑check “buddy system” on your block. A five‑second call can confirm someone arrived home safely.
• Encourage respite breaks. Caregivers who rest think more clearly and notice early warning signs sooner.
• Attend dementia‑friendly community programs. Social engagement reduces anxiety and the urge to pace or roam.

WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE GOES MISSING

1. Dial 911 immediately—do not wait 24 hours. Time is critical.
2. Share last known clothing, medical needs, and the most recent photo. Mention favourite walking routes, old workplaces, or coffee shops.
3. Search close to home first—yards, sheds, parks within a one‑kilometre radius. Most seniors are found within a short distance of where they started.
4. Post on local social media groups and print quick flyers for busy intersections.
5. Stay reachable. Keep your phone charged and the line open for updates from police or passersby.

A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

Canada’s seniors built the communities we enjoy today. Ensuring their safety as they navigate dementia is a responsibility we all share. Peek into your backyard. Check that unlocked shed. A single glance could bring someone’s mother or grandfather home.

Wandering is a symptom of an illness, not a person’s choice. With awareness, planning, and neighbourly care, we can replace fear with preparedness and heartbreak with relief.

Stay compassionate. Stay vigilant. Let’s look out for each other—because every one of us deserves the comfort of knowing we can step outside and still make it safely back home.

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Written for the Holo Alert community, with respect and support for seniors across Canada.

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