EDMONTON – It’s a sad reality that people with Alzheimer’s or dementia are often reported missing after they get lost and don’t come home. But it’s hoped a new partnership will be able to give families some more peace of mind when it comes to their loved ones.
“Safely home” is an Alzheimer Society program that has been providing clients with bracelets engraved with “call police.”
As Arlene Huhn with the Alzheimer Society explains, sometimes the police detachment would be closed, or it might take officers some time before they could respond to the matter.
So now, MedicAlert is stepping up with a more efficient option.
“The police have so many different things to do, whereas MedicAlert does one thing, which is answer their emergency line.”
Paramedic organizations across Canada are now being made aware of the unique blue MedicAlert emblems being produced specifically for people with dementia.
Calling the 24/7 number on the emblem will give first responders access to medical records, and emergency contacts.
“Really the intent here is to provide peace of mind to anyone living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia – or risk of wandering and becoming lost,” said Robert Ridge, of the Canadian MedicAlert Foundation.
And it’s doing extactly that for Lori Auld, whose husband Ken was diagnosed with Alzheimers seven years ago and has gotten lost before.
“I’m able to go to work and know that if he’s out there and something did happen, that hopefully he’d be taken care of,” said Lori Auld.
The MedicAlert membership is $60 a year. The charity also offers a subsidy program. The number is 1-855-581-3794.
With files from Su-Ling Goh, Global News
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