Police report increase in missing persons cases in Eastern Finland during summer months

Since June through the end of August, the police in Eastern Finland have handled approximately 430 cases of missing or escaped persons. Almost half of these, totaling 189, were attributed to age or illness. A noticeable increase in missing elderly individuals coincides with the berry-picking and mushroom-hunting seasons. Every year, there are 23,000 new diagnoses of dementia, and as the population ages, this number continues to rise, leading to an increase in reported cases of missing individuals with dementia.

According to Katariina Suomu, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Society, the best way to prevent disappearances among those with dementia is by organizing meaningful daytime activities. Currently, the reduction of round-the-clock care is negatively impacting the situation for those with dementia. Daytime programs would also provide family caregivers with much-needed respite from their demanding roles.

Technology to prevent disappearances among the elderly is available, with tracking wristbands being widely used. However, locking individuals with dementia in their homes infringes on their autonomy and poses risks, such as in the event of a fire.

Suomu is particularly concerned for those living alone without family or support services. Missing individuals with dementia often leave in search of familiar places or people from their past. Police searches typically focus on important and recognizable locations for the missing individuals, such as their childhood homes.

The Eastern Finland police encourage everyone to wear bright colors in the woods and to keep their phones charged and with them to facilitate any search efforts. In emergencies, the police can execute a quick location check using a mobile phone, as long as it is powered on.

According to Police Inspector Marko Heikkilä, around 20,000 volunteers are assisting the police in these searches. The Volunteer Rescue Service, Vapepa, is vital for police operations, especially during extensive ground searches, with around 300 cases handled annually. Vapepa has over 20,000 volunteers nationwide, including approximately 150 searchers for a missing person in Laukaa over the weekend.