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Being a personal caregiver
for someone else is a difficult task. The responsibility is enormous and
can be draining. The situation can be dramatically intensified when the
person that is being cared for begins to wander away. The caregiver is
thrust into a situation where they cannot let their guard down for a
minute.
The tendency to wander is
prevalent among people that are suffering from Alzheimer's disease and
other forms of dementia. People with Down Syndrome, Autism, Prader-Willi
or traumatic brain injury also exhibit this tendency. Reasoning,
judgment, the ability to communicate, and other behaviors are all
affected by these conditions.
It is estimated that 59%
of people with Alzheimer's disease will wander and become lost. Many
victims will wander repeatedly. The dangers to the wanderer are
numerous. If an elderly Alzheimer's patient is left outside for more
than 24 hours, their chance of survival drops to 50% due to the risk of
exposure.
A lost person with
Alzheimer's or a related disease or injury represents a critical medical
emergency.
The wanderer's inability
or unwillingness to communicate has frustrated caregivers and searchers
alike. Traditional search methods rely heavily on the ability of the
lost person to respond to searchers when they call. When this ability
doesn't exist or the person elects not to respond, search efforts are
time consuming and can take a tragic turn.
Project Lifesaver is
designed to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable citizens in our
community. Each Project Lifesaver client is provided a one-ounce
electronic bracelet that emits a unique radio signal 24 hours a day. When a client wanders, a call to 911 by the caregiver triggers a rapid
response by a trained team within Snohomish County Volunteer Search and
Rescue unit. Under the direction of the Sheriff's Office, a search is started
to locate that client's unique radio signal as soon as possible.
Agencies using Project
Lifesaver have reduced search time dramatically. Searches that lasted
hours and utilized dozens of search and rescue personnel are now
accomplished in under an hour by small specialized teams. Fatalities
have been reduced by 90%. If you have a loved one or know of an
acquaintance or care provider that could benefit from involvement in
Project Lifesaver, please contact:
(425) 388-3825
Information line.
(425) 388-3082
Volunteer Director
The Alzheimer's
Association of western
The Tulalip Tribes
Larry Jubie family
Hazel Arbuckle
The Caregiver Network
Donations are needed to supply bracelets and support for those that do
not have the financial resources to participate but need to be
protected. Call our information line (425) 388-3825 to find out how you
or your organization can
become involved in our one-on-one sponsorship program. Donations are tax
deductible and can be sent to:
Project Lifesaver |
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