Even ordinary details like remembering their address or recognizing familiar places are difficult for people with dementia. This is perhaps why, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, six in 10 people with dementia wander. And it’s not uncommon for some of those who wander to get lost. Such is the case of an 81-year old Maryland woman whose daughter called the sheriff’s department after noticing her mother had gone missing. The elderly woman normally returns from her daily walk up and down the driveway, but on this particular day, she didn’t come back. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office quickly took action, dispatching five officers and one dog to the wooden area near the woman’s house. Thankfully, it only took the officers 40 minutes to find her. But the lovely picture they took of Officer Morrison walking the woman back to her home will live on as a picture of this precious moment has gone viral on Facebook.
“At first, she seemed confused at the sudden appearance of police officers on the tree-lined trail, and she asked if the officers were out taking a walk, too. They quietly replied ‘Yes,’ after all, it was a beautiful day. And then she seemed relieved and told them she had lost her way. ‘No problem,’ said Officer Morrison who then gently took her hand and along with the other officers walked her back to her house. Along the way, the officers made small talk with the woman, to make her feel at ease. When asked what the key to a long, healthy life was, the woman replied, ‘Eat good and stay active,’” the Charles County Sheriff’s Office wrote on Facebook.
It’s very fortunate that the police worked as quickly as they did so that the woman didn’t wander farther afield and become in more danger.
“Officers encounter different situations every day. Some good, some not so good. In this case, a frightening situation for the family ended happily. For that, they were thankful. For us, it’s the rewarding part of policing,” the department added along with the touching photo.
Great job, guys!
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