Disaster Response
When responding to an emergency, it is possible that you may be interacting with a person living with dementia. It is critical to understand how to approach and speak to them. A general strategy is using the T-A-L-K tactics. Any high-risk situation, such as a fire or hazardous weather, is particularly dangerous because it may take them longer to react or notice an emergency situation is unfolding. Click HERE to learn more. Click HERE to learn more about becoming Dementia Friendly from officer Ransom. Officer Ransom is River Forest's Senior Services Officer. |
Abuse and Neglect
When responding to an emergency situation, it is possible that you may be interacting with a person living with dementia. It is critical to understand how to approach and speak to them. A general strategy is using the T-A-L-K tactics. Click HERE to learn more. |
Unsafe Driving
You see a person driving a car dangerously. When you pull the car over, it does not take long to realize that you are dealing with more than a careless driver. As a traffic enforcer, it is critical to understand how to approach and speak to someone who is living with dementia that is driving unsafely. A general strategy is using the T-A-L-K tactics. Click HERE to learn more. |
Wandering
Six in ten people with dementia will wander at some point, whether by foot, car or public transportation. A wandering person who is experiencing dementia is considered missing-at-risk and search efforts should start immediately. Although your department may have protocols for missing persons, there are specific search strategies for finding persons with dementia. A general strategy is using the T-A-L-K tactics. Tell the person you are there to help. Click HERE to learn more. |
Shoplifting
When you have been called to the supermarket for a report that someone is shoplifting, spot the clues if it was a criminal act then decide the best course of action. You can correctly assume the person accused of shoplifting is someone who may have dementia using clues such displaying confusion about the details, and standing their ground that they did nothing wrong. A general strategy is using the T-A-L-K tactics. Tell the person you are there to help. Click HERE to learn more. |