andering can be a serious safety hazard for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease along with one of the biggest challenges for caregivers. We have all heard the horror stories about someone with dementia getting disoriented, leaving their home and wandering in the woods in the dead of winter.

The caregiver can take measures of protection by securing the environment to prevent wandering. In addition, enroll in the safe return program, sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association. The safe return program is a government funded program with a national database of information and photos of those registered.

Once registered, the person with dementia receives an identification necklace or bracelet with a toll free emergency number. Their photo is also registered at local law enforcement and emergency response centers. The safe return program has a 24/7 toll free crisis line. To enroll in the program, contact the Alzheimer’s Association at 1-800-272-3900 or link to the Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return program website at http://www.alz.org/SafeReturn