For a person with Alzheimer's or other form of dementia, wandering can be dangerous. If that person isn't found within 24 hours, the chances that he or she will suffer serious injury, even death, increase dramatically. The family dementia caregiver will likely experience serious stress until the loved one is found.
According to the Alzheimer's Association 6 in 10 people with dementia will wander. A person with dementia might lose the ability to recognize familiar places and faces. Losing that ability can happen at any stage of the disease.
Connecticut has partnered with the Alzheimer's Association to offer a state-wide registry to help police and first responders locate people with dementia who have wandered. The program is called "Bring Me Back Home."
When you register your loved one on the program, you'll be asked to complete a form. It asks for a lot of information. Even if you don't live in Connecticut, download the form. Pay attention to the information the authorities find helpful in finding a person who has wandered.
The Senior Services Department of UPMC (Universithy of Pittsburgh Medical Center) also has a form that can help first responders if your loved one has wandered. That form is called "Wandering Behavior: Individual Profile." You can download it for free, too.
If you're a family dementia caregiver and you're suddenly asked to provide information about your loved one, you might be under too much stress to remember everything in the moment. So download one, or both, of these forms. Start filling them out now. Have the information handy should you ever need it.
Mentioned in this episode:
Alzheimer's Association
Register to the Bring Me Back Home Program
UPMC - Wandering Behavior: Individual Profile
The Dilemma of Dementia and Driving: Taking away the keys?
"I Didn't See It Coming" - Interview with LBD caregiver Mary Lou Falcone
Illusive Dreams and Frustrating Dementia Care Ads
My Caregiver Friend Died First
Why Join a Support Group? To Survive!
My First Holiday Season Alone
Not Feeling Festive? Light a Solstice Candle
Alzheimer's and Hope - A Gift or A Curse?
The Power of Grief, Community, and a Tree
Death and the Funeral
Hospice - Help When the End is Near
Sudden Falls and Rapid Changes
Mistakes and Dementia Self-Care Rituals
Our Loved Ones - The Power of the Stories We Tell
Alzheimer's and Vision Changes
Why You Need a Medical ID Bracelet
Lost in the Front Yard
Using the Word "Alzheimer's"
Getting the Diagnosis
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