Police search widens for elderly man missing with dementia

A search for an elderly man with dementia has widened after he went missing from his Heathcote nursing home in the early hours of Friday morning.

Peter Elwin, 76, suffers from dementia and has been missing for two days with police and aged care staff concerned for his welfare.

There are serious concerns for an elderly man suffering from dementia who went missing from his aged care home in the southern Sydney suburb of Heathcote.

Police were joined by RFS and National Parks and Wildlife services to conduct land and air searches for Peter Elwin, 76, who was last seen at an aged care home on The Ave, Heathcote about 1AM on Friday, May 13.

Mr Elwin suffers from dementia and other medical conditions requiring regular medication.

Sutherland Shire Police Area Command duty officer Inspector Gary Ford has urged residents to keep a look out for Mr Elwin.

“Our searches today have concentrated on Heathcote East as well as the nearby national park. I would urge everyone to keep a look out for him but also for local residents to check their yards and properties,” Inspector Ford said.

Peter Elwin, 76, suffers from dementia and has been missing for two days with police and aged care staff concerned for his welfare.

“We are extremely concerned for Peter’s welfare given he has been missing for more than 24 hours and as he lives with dementia, he could be confused and not know how to get home.

“He also requires regular medication, and, without it, he could get quite sick.”

Staff alerted police to his disappearance when Mr Elwin failed to return to the home on Friday.

Mr Elwin is described as being of caucasian appearance, about 150cm to 155cm tall, of medium build, with grey hair and blue eyes.

He was last seen wearing black trousers, a white short sleeved collared top with black dots, black shoes and a dark coloured cap.

Police are urging anyone with information or if they have seen Mr Elwin to contact Crime Stoppers at 1300 333 000.