Safe Return

More than half of people with Alzheimer's disease will wander and get lost at some time during the course of the disease. Registering a loved one in the Alzheimer's Association Safe Return Program is a thoughtful gift that also will give you peace of mind.

When someone with Alzheimer's disease wanders and becomes lost it is a frightening experience that puts the person at risk for serious or fatal injury. Someone with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia may not only wander by foot but also by car or other mode of transportation. Wandering can be aimless or purposeful roaming that can cause a person to become lost, leave a safe environment, or intrude in inappropriate places.

Almost 70% of all individuals with AD will wander and become lost at some point in their disease. Although the exact triggers of wandering are unknown at this time, it is important to understand that wandering is a life threatening behavior. Do not wait until it happens. Most incidents of wandering can be prevented with simple home modifications and inexpensive devices. Please contact the chapter for information on wandering prevention, ensuring safety and modifying the environment. Also, registering in the Safe Return Program provides peace of mind and an action plan in case someone you love does wander and become lost.

As recently seen on the news, wandering is an issue of life and death for all persons with dementia. Recent incidents prompt many to say, "What would have happened if that were my loved one?" Yet only one percent (1%) of all persons with dementia are registered in the programs that can help, such as the Alzheimer's Association's Safe Return Program. The most common response people give when choosing not to register is, "We don't need it yet." The fact is, we don't know what triggers wandering; it can happen at any time, without warning.

Some Connecticut Caregivers have shared the following stories about what prompted them to consider the Safe Return program.

"I used to say, 'He never leaves my side -- I'm always with him' until the day we went to the hospital for a doctor's appointment. Someone dropped their keys. As I bent over to pick them up, the elevator doors opened and he got on. The doors closed and he was lost for several hours. Wandering can happen without them being left alone."

"She was never left alone. I thought if I could just get a moment to throw a load of laundry in the machine...I came upstairs and found the door open. I was panicked and didn't know what to do."

"My mother has always been active. She takes a walk every day. With all she's lost, I never want to have to take that away from her. By registering her, we have some safeguards so I don't have to deny her that freedom. I also thought, "she doesn't need this yet.' Now I realize that I don't know which day she might wander away. Because of this program, we all have peace of mind. Because of this program, we have a plan so a crisis is manageable."

For families affected by Alzheimer's Disease, the summer can be a time of added stress and confusion. Because of the increased activity at this time, people with Alzheimer's disease are at higher risk of wandering away from their homes or nursing facilities in search of something that is familiar and reassuring. While wandering away is always potentially dangerous, the brutal summer heat and humidity can prove fatal, putting wanderers at greater risk of dying of exposure or heat stroke.

Safe Return is the only nationwide program that assists in the identification and safe, timely return of individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias who wander and become lost. Program registrants receive a stainless steel identification bracelet or necklace, clothing labels and wallet cards. Local Alzheimer's Association chapters provide family support and assistance while police and other agencies conduct search and rescue efforts. The identification products are inscribed with the Safe Return 24-hour crisis number and alert others that the individual is memory-impaired and may need assistance.

Creating a Safe Environment When caring for an individual with Alzheimer's disease at home, safety and accessibility can be important concerns. Dementia patients are vulnerable to a number of dangers in and around the home. Taking the time to make your home as safe as possible is important to prevent accidents.

The Alzheimer's Association has brochures and checklists available to adapt the home environment for promotion of safety. Especially with the holidays, it's important to keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Remove all poisonous plants. Common examples are poinsettia, philodendron and coleus
• Follow safety guidelines for electrical cords and lights Lock up cleaning supplies, especially bleach, kitchen cleaners and furniture polish
• Remove knobs from stove or disconnect circuit breaker
• Keep fire extinguisher nearby and be sure smoke detectors are working
• Install grab bars in bathroom and apply textured decals on slippery surfaces
• Discard dangerous items from the medicine chest
• Keep medications in a locked box
• Avoid using electric blankets
• Install night lights between bedroom and bathroom
• Put away hand and power tools
• Lock up poisonous products such as paints and fertilizers
• Disguise outdoor locks or install deadbolts
• Remove or tape down throw rugs
• Keep a list of emergency numbers by every telephone
• Keep furniture in its usual place
• Pad or cover the sharp corners on furniture
• Remove firearms from the house or keep them locked up
• Avoid "look-alike" objects such as fruit shaped magnets on the refrigerator
• Give a set of keys to one or more trusted neighbors, friends or family members for emergencies
• Keep on hand a list of medications, physicians and daily routines
• Use safety locks on windows
  

REGISTER any memory-impaired individual in SAFE RETURN (scholarships are still available through the chapter office)

Safe Return educates families, caregivers, emergency personnel and other community professionals about how to recognize signs of dementia, prevent unsafe wandering, and how to effectively use the program. In Connecticut, the Alzheimer's Association has been busy training local law-enforcement authorities. All of the State Police have gone through the specialized training, including the State Police K-9 Unit, and Association staff and volunteers continue to train local municipalities.

Since its creation in 1993, the program has facilitated more than 7000 Safe Returns with an over 98% success rate. To date, more than 49,000 people have been registered in the program nationally. Wandering can be prevented in most cases. Please contact the chapter for information on wandering prevention and modification of the environment to maximize safety. For a minimal fee, caregivers or family members can register their loved one in the Safe Return program. For registration information, including scholarship availability, call the Alzheimer's Association at 860-956-9560 or 800-356-5502. For more information on wanderers, visit the national website at www.alz.org.

When a registrant is found, the person who finds him/her can call the Safe Return toll-free number located on the wanderer's identification wallet card, jewelry or clothing labels. Safe Return immediately alerts the family members or contacts listed in the database so the person who has wandered can be reunited with their loved ones

To report someone missing, please call 1 (800) 572-1122

Click below to download the Safe Return Applications:

Safe Return Application
Safe Return Application - en español

Safe Return Tips and Fact Sheet