Lori Russell
Due to changes in the brain, people with Alzheimer’s disease may become very confused, lose their ability to recognize familiar places, and possibly forget their way home.
They may leave home, but forget the steps to get back.
This can be very dangerous for the person suffering from the disease and troublesome for the caregiver(s).
The Alzheimer Society, in partnership with the RCMP, has developed a nation-wide program, “Safely Home,” which helps police find the people with dementia who are lost and assist in a safe return home (previously known as Wandering Persons Registry).
Upon registration to the program, the registrant receives an identification bracelet and identification cards. These pieces contain an ID number that is linked to a database.
Wearing the bracelet, and keeping the cards in places such as a wallet or in coat pockets, aid police in quickly identifying people should they become lost.
The police are able to access the database and find pertinent information regarding the member, such as physical characteristics, personal history, and locations where the person is known to visit.
When the individual is found, the police determine where the person lives and whom to contact to arrange a safe return home.
For more information or to register for “Safely Home,” call the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts office toll-free 1-800-682-0245.
