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Lifelines
Who to call around St. Louis when Mom has dementia and tries to leave
The full directory for this desk. Every number was read on the organization's own page on 12 September 2026, and each entry links to that page so you can check it again.
Numbers change and programs move. That is why nothing below is copied from another directory or from memory. If a line here stops matching its source page, the source page wins, and the corrections note explains how to tell us. None of these organizations is connected to this site.
If she is missing right now
- 911
Search the house, the yard and the street first. The Alzheimer's Association says to call 911 if she is not found within 15 minutes, and to tell them she has dementia.Source: Alzheimer's Association, Wandering, cited on this desk since 10 September 2026. - Missouri Endangered Silver Advisory
There is no family hotline. The Highway Patrol describes the advisory as a voluntary partnership between law enforcement and local broadcasters. Its criteria: the person is 60 or older and believed to have dementia or another cognitive impairment, a legal custodian has filed a missing person report with the local law enforcement agency where the person went missing, and there is enough information to share with the public. Your report is what makes the request possible.Source: Missouri State Highway Patrol, Endangered SILVER Advisory plan, checked 12 September 2026. - Your police department's own page
For the quiet-afternoon call telling officers she may walk, look up the non-emergency line on the department's page. Ballwin Police Department. Chesterfield Police Department. We do not print those numbers here.Source: each city's own police page, linked on the sources page since 10 September 2026.
Dementia support, day or night
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900
A free service, around the clock, 365 days a year. Call it the night something happens, or on a calm afternoon to ask about support groups near her ZIP code. The Missouri Chapter page lists local groups, education and resources.Source: Alzheimer's Association, 24/7 Helpline, checked 12 September 2026; Missouri Chapter. - MedicAlert + Alzheimer's Association Safe and Found: 800-432-5378
A safe-return program the National Institute on Aging suggests families consider. The NIA notes it is not affiliated with the program and that there may be a charge.Source: NIA, Wandering and Getting Lost, checked 12 September 2026. - Washington University Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center
Public support and education pages, events and volunteer research studies. Linked only; no number or address printed.Source: knightadrc.wustl.edu, checked 12 September 2026.
Aging offices, by where she lives
- Aging Ahead: (800) 243-6060
One of 10 Area Agencies on Aging in Missouri, serving St. Louis, St. Charles, Franklin and Jefferson counties since 1973. For caregiver help, its Community Options Specialists and case managers take calls at (636) 207-0847. Its Family Caregiver Support Program lists, as funding permits, in-home respite, adult day services, durable medical equipment, minor home safety changes, and incontinence and nutrition supplies.Sources: Aging Ahead, About Us and I'm a Caregiver, checked 12 September 2026. - St. Louis Area Agency on Aging: (314) 612-5918
For older adults who live within the City of St. Louis. Email slaaa@stlouis-mo.gov.Source: City of St. Louis, St. Louis Area Agency on Aging, checked 12 September 2026. - Missouri Senior Resource Line: 1-800-235-5503
If you are not sure which agency covers her address: enter her five-digit ZIP code and the line transfers you to her local Area Agency on Aging.Source: Missouri DHSS, Area Agencies on Aging, checked 12 September 2026.
We could not open St. Louis County's own older resident programs page on the day we checked, so no county number is printed here.
Missouri state lines
- Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 1-800-392-0210
Seven days a week, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. For a worry that someone is neglecting or taking advantage of her. Reports can also be made online.Source: Missouri DHSS, Stop Adult Abuse, checked 12 September 2026. - DSDS Call Center: 866-835-3505
Where DHSS tells families to request Medicaid in-home and community based services.Source: Missouri DHSS, The Three Types of Care in the Home, checked 12 September 2026. - MO HealthNet Constituent Services: 800-392-2161
Questions about Missouri Medicaid coverage.Source: Missouri DSS, Healthcare, checked 12 September 2026.
When nothing above fits
- Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116
A public service of the Administration for Community Living. You can call or send a text message to trained staff.Source: eldercare.acl.gov, checked 12 September 2026. - United Way 211: dial 211, or 1-800-427-4626
A trained resource specialist, 24/7, for Missouri and Illinois.Source: United Way 211, checked 12 September 2026.
Paid help in the house
Private duty companion care in Missouri does not require a physician's order, according to DHSS, and it is paid privately or through insurance. The one provider featured on this desk is New Plan Care Solutions, a paid placement: call or text (314) 405-0887, or use the form on the front page. It is a client of OwnersFirm, which publishes this site.