Boost To 'Safely Home(TM)' - 1 Million Dollars Of New Funding, Canada

When someone with Alzheimer's disease becomes lost, finding them quickly is key to preventing tragedy. Now, thanks to 1 million dollars in new funding, the Alzheimer Society of Canada is launching a series of initiatives aimed at saving lives.


The Alzheimer Society, in partnership with the RCMP, will be using the $1.18 million contribution from the Government of Canada's Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund to build on the success of the current Safely Home™ - Alzheimer Wandering Registry program.


"Preventing people with Alzheimer's disease from becoming lost is our primary goal, as well as ensuring that if they do, the response in finding them is both timely and appropriate," says Mary Schulz, senior manager, information, support services and education for the Alzheimer Society of Canada.


The new funding will help support the following initiatives:


-- providing nationwide training workshops to search and rescue personnel, such as RCMP and local police


-- providing nationwide training workshops to organizations caring for people with Alzheimer's disease, such as long-term care facilities


-- raising awareness of the Safely Home program, ensuring that as many people as possible are registered


-- investigating technical monitoring tools such as GPS tracking devices and creating evaluation guidelines.


"When a person with Alzheimer's disease becomes lost, finding them quickly is very important," says Assistant Commissioner Darrell LaFosse of the RCMP's Community, Contract and Aboriginal Policing Services. "Statistics have shown that the first 12 hours are crucial. After that time frame the chances are much greater that they may be injured, or die if they are not found."


Ensuring that community policing personnel are aware of the special needs of people with Alzheimer's disease and the risks they face makes communities safer, LaFosse adds. "We welcome the opportunity to work with the Alzheimer Society on these initiatives."


The Safely Home Registry was developed in 1995 in partnership with the RCMP. It is a nationwide program that assists police in finding people who become lost. Today, there are approximately 26,000 people with Alzheimer's disease in Canada registered.


Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative brain disorder that destroys vital brain cells. Alzheimer's and related diseases affect an estimated 1 in 13 Canadians over the age of 65, or approximately 450,000 people. It is estimated that 750,000 Canadians will have Alzheimer's or a related disease by the year 2031 if a cure is not found.


The Alzheimer Society is a nationwide, not-for-profit health organization dedicated to helping people affected by Alzheimer's disease. The Society develops and provides support and educational programs for people with the disease, their families and their caregivers. The Society is also a leading funder of Alzheimer research and training in Canada.


alzheimer.ca