Program Can Help Locate Those Who Wander

By DARLA M. YOUNGS
OTSEGO COUNTY

A free search and rescue program that tracks individuals who chronically wander could be the difference between life and death. Project Lifesaver is designed to provide a timely response, reduce possible injury, and save the lives of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury or other cognitive disorders or developmental disabilities who wander away from home.

Individuals are fitted with a battery-operated transmitter worn on the wrist or ankle that emits a tracking signal 24 hours a day. In the event the individual wanders off and cannot be located by their caregiver, a call to 911 will alert Emergency Medical Services personnel to deploy a search team with technology capable of locating the transmitter signal.

Here in Otsego County, Project Lifesaver is a partnership between the Office for the Aging and the Department of Emergency Services. According to OFA Director Tamie Reed, her office conducts the intake and onboarding, and EMS is equipped with the technology and staff necessary to perform the search and rescue efforts.

The Project Lifesaver program is critical because people who have been diagnosed with cognitive impairments or disabilities may become disoriented, unaware of their situation and oftentimes don’t call out for help or respond to people calling out for them.

“This program has saved lives because the technology allows EMS to reduce search times from hours or days down to minutes in most situations,” said Alicia Chase, OFA long term care coordinator.

Project Lifesaver also ensures peace of mind for those with a loved one who wanders.

“Recently, the program was instrumental in locating a 10-year-old boy and, a couple of years ago, EMS was able to use the technology to locate a gentleman in his 70s who was found in the woods a few roads over from his house,” Reed said.

Project Lifesaver is not intended for those who live alone, but rather is an extra layer of security for individuals who have a caregiver in place and require 24/7 supervision.

The caregiver, parent or guardian still needs to have a security plan in place with adequate locks and safety devices to prevent their loved one from wandering. Project Lifesaver does not replace those security precautions—it is an additional measure intended to help keep loved ones safe and, if needed, to help bring them home.

“I believe the program has been in existence since around 2008 in Otsego County and we currently have eight individuals receiving the service. At this time there is no charge for the program, as we have limited grant funding that helps cover the cost,” Reed said.

For more information or to apply to Project Lifesaver, contact the Otsego County Office for the Aging at (607) 547-4232.