ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION FAQ
Q: What is Operation Safe Return?
A: Safe Return is a national, government-funded program of the Alzheimer Association that assists in the identification and safe, timely return of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias who wander off, sometimes far from home, and become lost.
The Alzheimer’s Association’s Safe Return Program is the only nationwide program of its kind. Since the program began in 1993, more than 93,000 individuals have registered in Safe Return nationwide. The program has helped locate and return more than 7,400 individuals to their families and caregivers.
Q: What is wandering?
A: People with Alzheimer’s disease are prone to wander. They can become lost (even in familiar settings), leave a safe environment, or intrude in inappropriate places. Wandering can happen anytime or anyplace and can be life-threatening for the individual. Learn more about wandering.
Q: How does Safe Return Work?
A: The Safe Return program helps unite families by working through Alzheimer’s Association chapters across the country and trained community members like law enforcement officials, emergency medical technicians, and transit operators. The program includes:
- Identification products, including wallet cards, jewelry, clothing labels, lapel pin, bag tags
- A national photo/information database
- A 24-hour toll-free emergency crisis line
- Alzheimer’s Association local chapter support
- Wandering behavior education and training for caregivers and families
If the registrant wanders and is found, the person who finds him/her can call the Safe Return toll-free number located on the wanderer’s identification wallet card, jewelry, or clothing labels. The Safe Return telephone operator immediately alerts the family members or caregiver listed in the database, so they can be reunited with their loved one.
If a person is reported missing by a family member or caregiver, Safe Return can fax local law enforcement agencies the missing person’s information and photograph. Local Alzheimer’s Association chapters provide family support and assistance while police conduct the search and rescue.
About Us:
The Alzheimer’s Association, a national network of chapters, is the largest national voluntary health organization dedicated to advancing Alzheimer’s research and helping those affected by the disease. Having awarded $136 million in research grants, the Association ranks as the top private fund of research into the causes, treatments, and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. The Association also provides education and support for people diagnosed with the condition, their families, and caregivers.
