Fort Collins Police Successfully Reunite Elderly Woman with Caregiver After Brief Search
Fort Collins Police successfully identified and reunited an elderly woman with her caregiver September 26 after she was found wandering alone near North College Avenue, unable to identify herself or communicate information about her care.
The approximately 90-year-old woman was discovered walking alone in the area of 1600 North College Avenue around 3:30 p.m., wearing a Mickey Mouse graphic t-shirt and pants. Police reported she appeared physically unharmed but could not provide identifying information or contact details for someone responsible for her care.
Within 40 minutes of posting a public request for assistance on social media, police announced at 4:10 p.m. that the woman had been identified and safely reunited with her caregiver.
The incident highlights a growing challenge in Larimer County, where an estimated 5,900 adults aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease, according to Larimer County Office on Aging data. This represents approximately 9.8% of the county's senior population, with wandering incidents affecting up to 60% of people with dementia at least once during their illness.
When Fort Collins Police encounter individuals with suspected cognitive impairment wandering alone, officers follow protocols that prioritize immediate safety and medical assessment while employing de-escalation techniques specifically designed for people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, according to Colorado Adult Protective Services guidelines.
The rapid resolution of this case demonstrates the effectiveness of community involvement in locating missing vulnerable adults. Colorado law enforcement officers are mandatory reporters under state statute and must collaborate with Larimer County Adult Protective Services when they suspect an at-risk adult may be experiencing neglect or unsafe conditions.
Larimer County offers several resources for families caring for individuals with dementia, including Project Lifesaver, a safety service providing wearable tracking devices for at-risk adults who may wander. The program enables law enforcement to rapidly locate missing individuals using specialized tracking technology.
The county's aging population is expected to grow significantly, with adults aged 75 and older projected to increase 56% between 2016 and 2025, according to the Larimer County Office on Aging Area Plan. Among adults aged 75-84, 17% are expected to develop Alzheimer's disease, while the rate rises to 32% for those over 85.
Additional support services available in Larimer County include the Alzheimer's Association Colorado Chapter's 24-hour helpline, caregiver support groups, and Colorado's Silver Alert system for missing at-risk seniors.
Families seeking information about dementia care resources can contact the Larimer County Office on Aging for case management, caregiver support, and safety planning assistance.