The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) has awarded a $6,000 grant to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office to expand its Project Lifesaver program, a public safety initiative designed to help locate individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related conditions who may wander.
Wandering is a common and potentially dangerous behavior among individuals living with dementia. Those who wander can become disoriented and may be unable to return home or seek help.
The sheriff’s office operates Project Lifesaver in partnership with Project Lifesaver International. Caregivers may voluntarily enroll loved ones in the program, which provides a wrist or ankle transmitter that emits a personalized radio frequency signal. When activated, trained responders use tracking equipment to locate the individual. Officials say the technology can reduce search times from hours or days to minutes.
“The Henry County Sheriff’s Office’s Project Lifesaver program is a valuable public safety tool for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses,” said Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. “Every family caregiver’s number one priority is keeping their loved one safe. We’re pleased to provide their office with additional resources to help protect individuals living with dementia.”
Sheriff Wayne Davis said the grant will be used to purchase batteries, wristbands and receivers to expand the program.
“I want to express my appreciation for the $6,000 grant. The funding will be used to purchase additional batteries, wristbands, and receivers of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver Program. These resources will allow the agency to expand the program and provide critical services to even more families throughout the community,” Davis said.
Families can voluntarily enroll in the Henry County Sheriff’s Office’s Project Lifesaver program by calling the sheriff’s office at 276-656-4200.
Those seeking guidance on caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia-related illnesses, or other memory impairments, as well as those looking for support services, may contact the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Helpline at 866-232-8484 or visit www.alzfdn.org.
