Safe Return Program for Seniors with Alzheimer’s/Dementia Disease
- By Staff Writer
- Published 09/7/2009
- Health
- Unrated
HOUSTON- Alzheimer’s is a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. It is not a normal part of aging.
The Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) is sponsoring an enrollment drive in September for Safe Return, a 24-hour emergency response service for people with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia who may wander and become lost.
HDHHS’ Area Agency on Aging will pay the fees for 182 Harris County seniors 60 years of age and older to register in the nationwide identification program established by the Alzheimer’s Association and the MedicAlert Foundation.
A Safe Return participant wears a bracelet or necklace engraved with a telephone hotline and an identification number. Emergency responders, law enforcement agencies and Alzheimer’s Association chapters are notified and sent a photo when a participant goes missing.
The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 60 percent of those with Alzheimer’s or dementia will wander at some point during their disease.
Things to look out for in Alzheimer’s patients are: returns from a regular walk or drive later than usual; tries to fulfill former obligations, such as going to work; tries or wants to “go home” even when at home; is restless, paces or makes repetitive movements; has difficulty locating familiar places like the bathroom, bedroom or dining room; checks the whereabouts of familiar people; acts as if doing a hobby or chore, but nothing gets done (moves around pots and dirt without actually planting anything); and appears lost in a new or changed environment
For more information or to enroll in Safe Return program, call (713)794-9001.
The Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) is sponsoring an enrollment drive in September for Safe Return, a 24-hour emergency response service for people with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia who may wander and become lost.
HDHHS’ Area Agency on Aging will pay the fees for 182 Harris County seniors 60 years of age and older to register in the nationwide identification program established by the Alzheimer’s Association and the MedicAlert Foundation.
A Safe Return participant wears a bracelet or necklace engraved with a telephone hotline and an identification number. Emergency responders, law enforcement agencies and Alzheimer’s Association chapters are notified and sent a photo when a participant goes missing.
The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 60 percent of those with Alzheimer’s or dementia will wander at some point during their disease.
Things to look out for in Alzheimer’s patients are: returns from a regular walk or drive later than usual; tries to fulfill former obligations, such as going to work; tries or wants to “go home” even when at home; is restless, paces or makes repetitive movements; has difficulty locating familiar places like the bathroom, bedroom or dining room; checks the whereabouts of familiar people; acts as if doing a hobby or chore, but nothing gets done (moves around pots and dirt without actually planting anything); and appears lost in a new or changed environment
For more information or to enroll in Safe Return program, call (713)794-9001.