Four million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s disease; over 40,000 people in San Diego and San Diego County. The vast majority, almost 75%, are living at home; they are more at risk of wandering away and getting lost than those in nursing homes. Many people cannot even remember their name or address. They may become disoriented and lost in their own neighborhood or far from home. It is common for a person with Alzheimer’s disease to wander, sometimes repeatedly, during the disease process. This behavior can be dangerous, even life threatening, to individuals and stressful for caregivers.

If you are a caregiver to a person with Alzheimer’s, the San Diego Police Department wants you to know it enthusiastically supports the "Safe Return" program of the Alzheimer’s Association. With the aid of identification bracelets, this national program helps identify, locate and return individuals who are memory-impaired due to Alzheimer’s or a related disorder.

Call the volunteers at the RB Storefront (2^nd floor, library) for an appointment at 538-8146. Most volunteers are trained to help fill out an application, take photographs, and help describe the services rendered. The caregiver (or friend or relative) can bring in the person being registered and fill out the Alzheimer’s Association application which includes general information, characteristics (such as height, weight, complexion, language spoken) and distinguishing features (such as facial hair, eyeglasses, wigs, hearing aids, etc.) as well as caregiver and contact information (whom to call when found.) Or call RSVP at 538-8146 and a team will come to your home with an application and will take the necessary photos. If the $40 registration is a hardship, the SD Alzheimer’s association will help.

Since memory-impaired individuals often are unable to ask others for assistance, their behavior can put them in danger. They may be confused and wander. When this happens, an ID bracelet can be most important in helping the police locate them. The bracelet or necklace (as well as clothing labels and wallet cards) will have the registrant’s code number and the 800-number to call 24 hours a day. The Alzheimer’s Association has a national database to call on when an individual is lost or found. Call the RB Storefront at 538-8146 for more information or to make an appointment.