Safety First:  Alzheimer’s and Wandering

As Americans continue to live longer, Alzheimer’s disease is expected to skyrocket from the current 5.3 million to as many as 16 million Americans by 2050.  This progressive and fatal disease poses immediate safety concerns for people living with the disease and enormous challenges and stress for caregivers.  Wandering is a critical safety issue in individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.  More than 60 percent of those with dementia will wander, and if a person is not found within 24 hours, up to half of the individuals who wander will suffer serious injury or death.  Here are some available options to help caregivers put safety first.  For a more comprehensive look at safety for individuals with Alzheimer’s go to our new Safety Center online at http://www.alz.org/safetycenter/we_can_help_safety_center.asp

Alzheimer’s Association Comfort Zone™Powered by Omnilink, Comfort Zone™

...is the first comprehensive location management system designed specifically for Alzheimer’s.  Web-based Comfort Zone works with various location devices to proactively communicate the location of the person with Alzheimer’s disease within two to 30 minutes, based on the family’s selected plan, combining technology with flexibility so that families can change devices and plans through the progression of the disease.  The price of the Comfort Zone packages varies, beginning at $42.99 a month with a $45.00 activation fee, similar to most cell services.  The cost of hardware varies.

MedicAlert+ Alzheimer Association Safe Return

 ...is a 24-hour response service for individuals with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia who wander or have a medical emergency. It provides 24-hour, nationwide assistance, no matter when or where the person is reported missing.  There is a one-time enrollment fee of $49.95 plus $4.95 shipping for the jewelry.  There is a $25 administrative fee each year. Enrollment is automatically included with all Comfort Zone™ packages..

Project Lifsaver

Project Lifesaver is a national proactive, electronic tracking program used to assist in locating individuals with Alzheimer’s and Down Syndrome who have wandered and become lost. It uses a personalized transmitter, powered by a small battery that emits a constant radio signal.  Once the relevant department is called for a missing individual, officers use a specialized tracking antenna track and locate the person.  Project Lifesaver is normally operated out of either the Sheriff’s or Police Department of each city or county.  Availability and cost vary by each locality.   More information on Project Lifesaver can be found at their website http://www.projectlifesaver.org. 

Special Project Lifesaver Notice for Virginia Beach Residents

Virginia Beach Project Lifesaver, operated from the Virginia Beach Police Department, has received a grant from the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad Foundation to cover the $285.00 cost of the transmitter and battery checker for residents with Alzheimer’s or Down Syndrome.  There is a cost of $9.00 per month to have the battery changed.  Families of Virginia Beach residents may inquire further about Virginia Beach Project Lifesaver by contacting M.P.O. Allen Perry at 757.385.2742.