Missing Vulnerable Person — What to Do
Step-by-step guide to what to do immediately if an elderly or vulnerable adult goes missing — who to call, what information you need, and how the police will respond.
Key Facts
- Call 999 immediately if a vulnerable adult is missing — do not wait 24 hours
- There is no waiting period for reporting a missing vulnerable person
- Police will open a MISPER (missing person) report
- Provide a recent photo, physical description, and last known location
- Contact their GP, care manager and social worker at the same time
- Dementia charity DEEP and Missing People charity (116 000) can help
Call 999 Immediately
If a vulnerable adult — someone with dementia, a learning disability, mental illness, or who is elderly and at risk — goes missing, call 999 immediately. The myth that you must wait 24 hours before reporting someone missing is wrong. Police will treat a missing vulnerable adult as a high-priority case.
What Information to Have Ready
Before calling, gather what you can: a recent photo (ideally recent, showing what they are wearing today), their full name, date of birth, physical description (height, build, hair, any distinguishing marks), what they were wearing, any medical conditions, mobility limitations or communication difficulties, the last place they were seen and what time, any regular places they like to visit, and whether they have a phone or bank card.
Who Else to Contact
At the same time as calling police, notify their GP (who may know of any medical episodes), their social worker or care manager, any day centre or regular service they use, neighbours, local shops or anywhere they regularly visit, and family members. The Missing People charity helpline (116 000) can provide support and guidance to families.
If They Have Dementia
People with dementia often return to places that were meaningful to them earlier in life — a former home, a workplace, a school. They may try to carry out routines from the past. Inform the police of any places that might have significance. The Alzheimer's Society and local dementia support services can advise on prevention strategies such as GPS trackers and door alarms.