An unexplained absence of a resident from a care facility is a serious event that requires immediate, standardized action. This protocol details the essential steps for managing a missing resident, ensuring safety, compliance, and effective communication.
Immediate Actions for Unexplained Absence
The moment a staff member becomes aware that a resident is missing or their absence is unexplained, the following actions must be taken without delay:
- Search the Premises: A thorough and systematic search of the entire facility and grounds must be conducted immediately.
- Confirm the Absence: Double-check the resident's usual locations, recent sign-out sheets, and communicate with other staff members.
- Notify the Manager/On-Call Supervisor: The most senior staff member present must be notified immediately to take charge of the incident management.
Police Reporting Requirement
A core component of the missing resident protocol is immediate external notification:
- Mandatory Police Report: The facility must notify the police as soon as possible after establishing that the resident is missing and cannot be located within the premises.
- Do not delay notifying the police while continuing the internal search. The police have resources and authority that are critical for a timely resolution.
🧠 Managing Wandering and Dementia
For residents with documented wandering behaviors or a diagnosis of dementia, the risk of unexplained absence is higher, and the response must be tailored:
- Risk Assessment Review: Immediately consult the resident's care plan and risk assessment for any known triggers, preferred routes, or past locations they have traveled to.
- Search Priority: Focus the external search on areas identified in the risk assessment, such as main roads, public transport stops, or nearby shops/parks.
- Accurate Description: Provide the police with an accurate, recent description of the resident, including clothing, physical appearance, and any distinguishing features (e.g., mobility aids).
🏛 SIRS Reporting: Priority 1
An unexplained absence falls under the scope of the Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS) and must be treated with the highest level of urgency.
- SIRS Classification: An unexplained absence is typically classified as a Priority 1 reportable incident under SIRS.
- Commission Notification: The facility must notify the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (the Commission) as soon as possible, and in any case, within 24 hours of becoming aware of the incident.
- Documentation: Detailed procedures for when a resident goes missing must be fully documented, including:
- Time the absence was noted.
- Time the police were notified.
- Time the Commission was notified.
- Actions taken by staff during the search and follow-up.
This detailed procedure ensures that all staff understand the criticality of an unexplained absence and the necessary steps for notifying the police and the Commission promptly.
