Safely Home® Wandering Registry
People with Alzheimer's disease sometimes lose the ability to recognize familiar places, to communicate or to remember their own name or address. They may leave home, become confused and get lost. Safely Home® is a nation wide partnership between the Alzheimer Society of Canada and the RCMP designed to help find the person who is lost and assist in a safe return home. For more information, please visit the Safely Home® website or contact our Family Support Coordinator at (403) 290-0110 or by e-mail at familysupportcoordinator@alzheimercalgary.com.
Safely Home® Program Now Even More Accessible
People with Alzheimer's disease and their families now have the option of enrolling in the Safely Home® program online, and managing their record through a new and improved website at www.safelyhome.ca.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING TRAVEL TO THE UNITED STATES
The Alzheimer Society of Canada has recently learned that American Law Enforcement agencies do not have access to the Wandering Persons Registry contained on the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database.
Canadians who have dementia or support someone who does, and who travel to the United States, may want to consider registering with the American Alzheimer Association's "Safe Return" program in addition to Safely Home®.
If you are considering travel to the United States, please visit the Alzheimer Society of Canada website for more information.
Tips To Help Prevent Wandering
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Exit doors, including doors to the garage, can be camouflaged with curtains, wallpaper or pictures and should be kept locked.
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Install locks low on doors where they might not be noticed easily.
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Try a "Stop" sign on the door.
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Lock doors to steps, especially at night.
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Use child-proof covers on doorknobs or cover by taping a square of fabric over them.
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On interior doors, tape over the face of the lock so it will not catch to avoid the person locking themselves in a room.
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Use cues such as pictures to help the person find the bathroom door, bedroom door etc.
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Ensure the individual has identification with them at all times.
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Register with the Safely Home® Wandering Registry. Contact the Alzheimer Society of Calgary for a registration form at (403) 290-0110.
Keeping busy is key to alleviating the need for wandering. Try and include the person in everyday tasks. Setting the table, sweeping the floor, tearing the lettuce etc. are all examples of activities that can still be done. Remember that it doesn't have to be done perfectly.