January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month in Canada, and the Sarnia Police Service (SPS) is stressing the importance of keeping track of your loved ones so they don't go missing.
If someone does wander, police stress that it's never too early to file a report to 9-1-1 so officers can quickly start their search.
Deputy Chief Mike Van Sickle said individuals in early-stage dementia, who appear to be capable and independent, are often at elevated risk due to confusion, anxiety, and disorientation.
He said there are a number of steps that can be taken to help reduce the risks.
"Missing people is an emergency and it's one of the most high risk events for the public that we participate in," said Van Sickle. "This time of year, weather plays a monumental factor in the success rate. Within the home, it's great to have door alarms so that when the loved one exits the residence somebody is triggered within the home. You can also ensure the sharing properties are turned on on their cellphone, and have a current digital photo that can be shared quickly by the police. We often find that we have great success through our press releases."
Van Sickle said caregivers should be aware of the access their loved ones have to money and credit cards.
"Oftentimes, if they need the resources they'll withdraw money from the bank or move it to their credit card," he said. "We want to be able to get in touch with somebody that has access to that type of information. It's kind of like bread crumbs they're leaving as they move either around the community or getting outside of our community."
SPS has partnered with Victim Services of Sarnia-Lambton for Project Lifesaver, as six in ten people living with dementia are at risk of getting lost.
It outfits vulnerable individuals with bracelets that can emit a unique radar frequency to allow police to locate them quickly.
To register for Project Lifesaver or get more information, email office@victimservices.on.ca.
You also can register for the Alzheimer Society's First Link program on their website.
The Finding Your Way form can be filled out on the SPS website.
Overall SPS investigated 363 missing persons in 2025, many of whom were males between the ages of 10 and 19.
A total of 46 of them were 60-years-old and above.
Van Sickle said the vast majority were located and, right now, there are four active missing person cases in Sarnia.
More information is posted to the Sarnia Police Service's website.
