No Wander No Worry Know Safe Return
It's no wonder family caregivers worry over alzheimer's patients who wander away. Now, a new online recovery service, Safe Return, offers an affordable and convenient solution.
Wandering is a life-threatening behavior that may accompany alzheimer's disease (AD), says the Alzheimer's Association. Nearly six-in-ten victims of AD become disoriented and wander off, sometimes getting far away from their home and neighborhood. Unless found within the first 24 hours, half of all wanderers may die.
In an effort to help caregivers of alzheimer victims, a new online service, Safe Return, is now offered by the Alzheimer's Association. Safe Return assists in the identification and return of demented individuals who wander away from home and become lost. To date, more than 70,000 individuals have registered with the nationwide Safe Return service.
Safe Return boasts a nearly 100 percent rate of return. If the registrant wanders and is found, the finder can call the 24-hour Safe Return toll-free number located in the wanderer's identification wallet card or jewelry or clothing label. On the other hand, if a caregiver reports that a loved one is missing, Safe Return can fax local law enforcement agencies the missing person's background information and photograph.
To register, individuals must complete an application that asks them to choose the type of identification product that the alzheimer's patient will wear or carry. This information is then entered into a national database. There is a one-time charge of $40.
For more information on Alzheimer's disease or the fee-for-service Safe Return program, call 1-800-272-3900.
See related articles in the AgeVenture archives.
Caring Gets Daring for Stressed-out Caregivers
AoA Initiative Empowers Family Caregivers
Reduce Caregiver Stress and Burnout
AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com
BACK TO TOP
AgeVenture News Service, 21946 Pine Trace, Boca Raton, FL 33428 USA
Dr. David Demko, Editor
E-mail:newsdesk@demko.com
See the "Permission to Reprint" policy on the AgeVenture homepage.