Project Lifesaver in Action
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EmailIt could happen anywhere at any time. A man with Alzheimer's wanders away from home and near a busy road. Usually, they are found quickly, but not always.
A new tracking device helps rescue the 60% of Alzheimer's patient who wander off at some point.
The tracking system, called Project Lifesaver, is based on a small device that is an added safety net for a wide range of people who suffer from memory disorders, especially dementias such as Alzheimer's.
The following is an excerpt from an actual interview with a lady named Arlene and her husband who wears a Project Lifesaver bracelet.
Arlene: "I went out to say something like, 'the Phillies game is on,' and he wasn't there."
Arlene's husband knew where he was going, he just didn't know how to get back.
Husband: "I decided, well I'd better start walking back home, but I would take a shortcut."
He's 79 and was diagnosed with Early Alzheimer's.
Arlene: "I began to panic because in either direction he'd have to cross busy streets. So I took the car and started looking up and down the streets and couldn't find him.
After an hour, she called the police department. And officer Chris Tye with Project Lifesaver began tracking the signal emanating from the bracelet Arlene's husband was wearing.
Officer Tye: "I was really excited to see someone where we made the rescue. He was confused. He told us he didn't know where he was anymore."
The case with Office Tye and Arlene's husband occurred in the same place as and just one year after a retired New Jersey State Trooper with Alzheimer's, Gordon Hector, died after he had been missing for nine days. He did not have a tracking bracelet.
Project Lifesaver: "The Hector family has stood behind us and helped us raise a considerable amount of money so that we are able to provide these bracelets to the public at no charge."
For anyone considering getting a tracking bracelet, Arlene says,
Arlene: "Go for it. You can't wait until they wander for the first time."
Husband: "And it worked. Absolutely it worked."
Project Lifesaver devices are not for sale. They are only given out by a non-profit organization that partners with local law-enforcement agencies.
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Project Lifesaver's goal is to eventually have no one have to pay for this program. Please help them achieve this goal. A small contribution can go a long way. Donate today at:
http://projectlifesaver.org/Lifesaver/get-involved/donate-now/
Source:
NBC San Diego and Project Lifesaver
.
