207. How the Alzheimer's Association Safe Return Program is a lifeline for seniors with Dementia

Aging in Style with Lori Williams

70% of people with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia will wander at some point in time due to poor short-term memory. ‘Wandering’ means getting lost by moving away from where they’re typically located, whether it’s driving or walking. This can be dangerous when they’re unable to find their way back and risk their safety or being taken advantage of.

This is where the Safe Return MedicAlert® program comes in.

Tanesha Tyler-Carr of the Alzheimer’s Association explains the role of Safe Return in reuniting families with their wandering loved one - continuing to draw from her experience with one-on-one care planning, crisis management and referral for families affected by Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.

Topics discussed:

- Senior wandering

- Alzheimer’s and other dementia

- Safe Return Program

- MedicAlert® Foundation

- Safe Return Medic Alert Advantage Program

- When it’s time to consider memory care

Takeaways from this episode:

- The Safe Return Medic Alert Program is through the Medic Alert Foundation. It supplies medical ID bracelets for those who unsafely wander and provides a 24-hour emergency response.

- Once a senior becomes a member, they get an ID card with their number that connects to a database with their name, emergency contact, physical description and more.

- Some chapters of the Alzheimer’s Association offer a scholarship program for the initiation and annual renewal fee costs.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

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Learn more about the 24/7 wandering response program:

Alz.org/medicalert

Call the Alzheimer’s Association:

1-800-272-3900

MedicAlert Foundation:

https://www.medicalert.org