Alzheimer's Association Marks 10th Anniversary of Safe Return ProgramAlzheimer's Association The Alzheimer's Association marks the 10th anniversary of Safe Return, its successful nationwide identification program that assists individuals with Alzheimer's disease who wander and become lost. Since 1993, the program has registered more than 100,000 people with Alzheimer's and has facilitated the recovery of nearly 8,000 of those individuals who have wandered. Wandering is a life-threatening behavior that may accompany Alzheimer's disease. There are currently 4 million Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, up to 60 percent of them will wander at some point during the disease. For many families, it is often the first warning sign that their loved one has Alzheimer's disease. If a person is lost and not found within the first 24 hours, there is a nearly 50 percent chance they will be at risk for serious injury or even death. To assist individuals with the disease and their loved ones, the Alzheimer's Association began Safe Return, a government-funded program that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week by working through Alzheimer's Association chapters across the country, community members, law enforcement, and emergency responders. The only program of its kind specifically for people with Alzheimer's, Safe Return has a near 100 percent success rate in safely returning those registered in the program.  "Since people with Alzheimer's may wander for a variety of reasons, it is impossible to predict who may wander and become lost. Enrolling in Safe Return's nationwide identification program provides safety and peace of mind to the person with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers, and may prevent a potentially deadly situation," said Kathy O'Brien, vice president, program services for the Alzheimer's Association. "Until there is an end to this dreadful disease, we will continue to assist those affected by Alzheimer's disease through education, support groups and the use of this novel program. We encourage individuals who receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer's to register immediately in Safe Return." The success of the program largely stems from an unwavering commitment at the community level. Through comprehensive training and community-wide partnerships, Safe Return provides an affordable and efficient safety net for memory-impaired individuals. The program continues to evolve as new technology develops that may enhance the safe return of those who wander. About Safe Return Safe Return provides registrants and their families with a personalized bracelet and other identification materials, and stores contact information in a confidential, national computerized database. The program's nationwide, toll-free 800 number is listed on the identification pieces. The program includes:
When a Safe Return registrant wanders and is found, the person who finds him/her can call the Safe Return toll-free number located on the wanderer's identification bracelet, necklace, wallet card, or clothing labels. The Safe Return care consultant immediately alerts the family member or caregiver listed in the database to be reunited with their loved one. If a person is reported missing by a family member or caregiver, Safe Return faxes the missing person's information and photograph to local law enforcement agencies. Local Alzheimer's Association chapters provide family support and assistance while police conduct the search and rescue. To register, a person with Alzheimer's disease or their caregiver completes a simple form, supplies a photograph, and chooses the type of identification product that the registrant will wear and/or carry. The registration fee is $40 and can be done by phone, mail or online. To find out if scholarships are available to cover the cost of registration and for more information about the Safe Return Program, or for a copy of "Is It Alzheimer's, Ten Warning Sign You Should Know," contact the Alzheimer's Association at (800) 272-3900 or visit the association's web site at www.alz.org/SafeReturn. The Alzheimer's Association is the premier source of information and support for the 4 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease. Through its national network of chapters, the association offers a broad range of programs and services for people with the disease, their families and caregivers and represents their interests on Alzheimer-related issues before federal, state and local government and with health and long-term care providers. The largest private funder of Alzheimer research in the United States, the association has committed $136 million toward research into the disease
For more information, or to contact Alzheimer's Association, see their website at: www.alz.org |
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