Public thanked for stopping to help woman in 80s with dementia in NI town - ‘some great people in our town stepping up to help a vulnerable stranger late at night’

In a post on social media, Police Ards and North Down said: “Last night around midnight a lady in her 80s was spotted out and about in Ards.

“She was clearly distressed and not dressed for the cold weather this time of year.

“It’s good to know that when a couple of motorists spotted her instead of driving on they stopped with her and gave us a call.

“Our caller even stayed a little bit away from her when calling us so as not to startle her which shows real empathy for the lady.

“We managed to get her address and also able to identify that that cruel disease, dementia, was causing her behaviour”.

The post adds that the elderly woman “was taken home safely and her carers contacted”.

“Even better one of her neighbours came and sat with her to make sure she didn’t walk out again until the carers arrived,” added the post

“Some great people in our town stepping up to help a vulnerable stranger late at night.

“Great to see and our thanks goes out to all involved”.