What happened to the Alzheimer's Association Safe Return program?
The program originally known as Safe Return was a vital initiative created by the Alzheimer's Association to help protect individuals with memory loss who were at risk of wandering. For decades, it served as a nationwide registry and support network. In a strategic alliance to enhance and expand these services, the Alzheimer's Association partnered with the MedicAlert Foundation to create a new, updated program called MedicAlert® + Alzheimer's Association Safe & Found™.
This new iteration combines the Alzheimer's Association's expertise in dementia care and community support with MedicAlert's globally recognized emergency response system and medical identification services. The MedicAlert Safe & Found program is available 24/7 to assist with wandering emergencies and provides peace of mind for both individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
How the current Safe & Found program works
MedicAlert's Safe & Found program offers several layers of protection, centered around a personalized medical ID and a 24/7 emergency response service. The process is designed to be straightforward and fast during a crisis:
- Enrollment: A caregiver or family member enrolls the individual online or by phone, providing key information such as a recent photo, physical description, medical conditions (like Alzheimer's or dementia), medications, and emergency contact information.
- Medical ID: The enrolled individual receives a wearable medical ID, such as a bracelet, necklace, or smart ID with a QR code, which displays the MedicAlert emblem and a 24/7 emergency hotline number.
- Wandering Incident: If the person wanders and is discovered by a first responder or good Samaritan, they can use the toll-free number on the ID to contact MedicAlert's 24/7 Emergency Response Center.
- Emergency Response: The MedicAlert specialist immediately accesses the member's stored health profile, relays critical medical details to the first responders, and notifies the designated emergency contacts.
- Coordinated Search: If a caregiver reports the person missing, MedicAlert can create and distribute missing person flyers to local law enforcement and hospitals to expand the search. This activates a community support network to help locate the person quickly.
Key features of the MedicAlert Safe & Found program
Beyond the initial search and rescue process, the program includes a range of features designed to support families in managing wandering risks:
- 24/7 Emergency Response: A dedicated team of specialists is available around the clock to assist with wandering emergencies, ensuring that help is always just a phone call away.
- Secure Health Record: A comprehensive digital health profile is securely stored, containing important medical information that can be accessed by emergency personnel in a crisis. This includes conditions, medications, and allergies.
- Emergency Contact Notification: As soon as a member is found, MedicAlert personally contacts the designated emergency contacts to reunite the family.
- Missing Person Flyers: MedicAlert can generate and distribute missing person flyers to authorities, leveraging the information and photos on file to expedite the search.
- Medical and Identifying Information: First responders are provided with vital details to ensure safe and accurate care, especially since the person may be unable to communicate effectively.
What to do if a loved one with dementia is missing
According to MedicAlert, if a person with dementia wanders, the first thing a caregiver should do is call 911. After alerting the local authorities, the caregiver should then call MedicAlert's 24/7 emergency response number. This dual-pronged approach ensures a rapid, coordinated response involving both local law enforcement and the dedicated resources of the Safe & Found program.
MedicAlert Safe & Found vs. GPS tracking devices
| Feature | MedicAlert Safe & Found | GPS Tracking Devices |
|---|---|---|
| Core Function | Human-powered 24/7 emergency response, medical ID, and caregiver support network. | Technology-based location tracking via GPS and cellular networks. |
| First Responder Recognition | Globally recognized MedicAlert emblem signals a medical condition, guiding first responders to contact the emergency hotline for vital info. | May not be immediately recognized as a medical alert device, primarily focusing on location data. |
| Medical Profile | Stores a comprehensive, secure health record accessible by first responders, including medications, allergies, and contacts. | Typically limited to providing a location, though some integrate with broader health profiles. |
| Intervention | Provides a human emergency response specialist who can relay critical medical information and coordinate with authorities. | Relies solely on technology to provide location data; no human intervention for relaying health information unless integrated with a service. |
| Cost | Annual membership fees, plus the cost of the medical ID. | Varies widely, depending on the device, service plan, and tracking features. |
| Activation | Activated by a simple phone call to the emergency hotline, which is available 24/7. | Dependent on device functionality and a caregiver monitoring the tracking data. |
| Wearability | Wide range of customizable and comfortable options, including tamper-resistant clasps for high-risk wanderers. | Often involves a specific electronic device that may need to be charged and can be removed. |
Conclusion
The Alzheimer's Association Safe Return program, though no longer operating under its original name, has evolved into a more robust and comprehensive service through its partnership with MedicAlert Foundation. Now known as MedicAlert Safe & Found, the program continues its mission to protect individuals with Alzheimer's and other dementias who are at risk of wandering. By combining wearable medical IDs with a 24/7 emergency response team and secure health records, the service provides an essential safety net and invaluable peace of mind for caregivers and families. For those managing the challenges of dementia, enrolling in a program like Safe & Found is a proactive and critical step in preparing for a potential wandering incident.
Visit the official MedicAlert website for more information on the Safe & Found program.
