An "unfortunate set of circumstances" meant 83-year-old dementia sufferer Barbara Wilson had been missing for a fortnight before her family realised, police said today after her body was found about 20 kilometres from her home.
Ms Wilson's family reported her missing yesterday about 10am when they became aware that she had not been in contact with anyone for at least two weeks.
Ms Wilson, who lived alone in Leeton, in the Riverina region 500 kilometres south-west of Sydney, was last seen by a neighbour on May 28 when she needed assistance with her car.
Her daughter, who also lives in Leeton but had left town in the weeks leading up to her death, usually checked in on Ms Wilson regularly, police said.
"Although there was continual engagement with the daughter, it wasn't like every day," crime manager for Murrumbidgee Police District Eugene Stek said today.
"So it became apparent that something was amiss when she did return [to Leeton]."
'Unfortunate set of circumstances'
Ms Wilson's daughter immediately contacted police, who treated the matter "very seriously" and were concerned for Ms Wilson's wellbeing as she lived with dementia, required regular medication, wore glasses and used a frame or cane to walk.
Mr Stek said police located her car at 9:30am today about 20 kilometres west of Leeton.
A short time later, they found Ms Wilson's body about 500 metres from her car.
Mr Stek said there was a "miscommunication" among Ms Wilson's support circle in the weeks leading up to her death.
"It appears that people assumed that other people were talking [to her] and providing the missing person with the engagement she required," Mr Stek said.
"There is nothing suspicious at this stage, or evidence of any misconduct or anything criminal."
A report will be prepared for the coroner.
