Central Queensland University researchers, including from Bundaberg, are seeking to better understand what happens when people living with dementia become lost and what can be done to reduce trauma.
The research project, led by CQU Project Manager Doctor Steven Schwartz, is exploring the experiences of people living with dementia who have at one time or another become lost.
Dr Schwartz said the research aimed to understand the factors that contribute to people becoming lost, as well as what happens during the process of being found.
“Becoming lost can be a distressing experience for the person living with dementia and it can also have a profound impact on the people around them,” Dr Schwartz said.
“We want to hear directly from people who have experienced this, as well as their care partners and loved ones, to understand what was happening before, during and after the person became lost.
“By understanding these experiences, we hope to identify factors that could help improve the experience for everyone involved when it does happen.”
The research is particularly focused on rural, regional and remote Australia, where distance, terrain, limited services and other factors can create additional challenges when someone becomes lost.
Participants living with dementia who have previously become lost will be invited to take part in a 45 to 60-minute interview with a researcher.
Care partners and significant others who have experienced a loved one with dementia becoming lost are invited to complete an online survey, with the option of taking part in a follow-up telephone or videoconference discussion.
People living with dementia who have previously become lost and would like to participate in an interview can contact Dr Schwartz via s.schwartz@cqu.edu.au.
