Fort Collins Police Seek Help Identifying Elderly Woman Found Walking Alone
Fort Collins Police are asking for the public's help identifying a woman between 75 and 85 years old who was found walking alone in southeast Fort Collins and is unable to identify herself or her caregiver.
The woman was discovered around 2:45 p.m. September 19 in the area of 2500 Saw Hill Road, according to Fort Collins Police Services. She appears to be physically unharmed but cannot provide information about herself or anyone responsible for her care.
Police described the woman as having a small build and wearing a jean material long-sleeved top and pants with a brown cap when she was found. The area where she was located is a residential neighborhood in southeast Fort Collins characterized by newly developed subdivisions and single-family homes.
The Larimer County Sheriff's Office is also assisting in efforts to reunite the woman with her caregiver, sharing the information through their social media channels to reach a broader audience.
When Fort Collins Police encounter elderly individuals who cannot identify themselves, officers follow established protocols that include ensuring immediate safety and medical well-being, attempting identification through various means, and coordinating with Larimer County Adult Protective Services when necessary. According to Colorado Department of Human Services guidelines, Adult Protective Services is mandated to investigate cases involving at-risk adults who may be experiencing self-neglect or memory problems that prevent them from caring for their basic needs.
Cases involving elderly individuals with potential cognitive impairments highlight the challenges faced by families dealing with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Larimer County residents have access to several support resources, including the Larimer County Office on Aging, which offers caregiver support and respite care services, and the Alzheimer's Association Colorado Chapter, which provides a 24-hour support helpline at 800-272-3900.
Colorado law requires caretakers to provide for the basic health and safety of at-risk elders, with neglect defined as the failure to provide essential services including food, shelter, healthcare, supervision or protection. Abandonment, which involves deserting or knowingly leaving a person without arranging for necessary care, can result in criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies depending on severity.
To prevent similar incidents, local agencies recommend prevention technologies such as Project Lifesaver tracking systems and GPS devices for individuals with dementia. The Alzheimer's Association and Dementia Together also offer regular training and support for families to reduce wandering risks.
Anyone who can help identify the woman is asked to contact Fort Collins Police at (970) 221-6540. The department's priority is safely reuniting her with her caregiver as quickly as possible.