Safe Return is a national, government-funded program of the Alzheimer Association that assists in the identification and safe, timely return of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias who wander off, sometimes far from home, and become lost.
The Alzheimer's Association's Safe Return Program is the only nationwide program of its kind. Since the program began in 1993, nearly 100,000 individuals have registered in Safe Return nationwide. The program has facilitated the recovery of more than 7,500 individuals to their families and caregivers with an over 99% success in safely returning those registered in the program.
- What is wandering?
People with Alzheimer's disease are prone to wander. They can become lost (even in familiar settings), leave a safe environment, or intrude in inappropriate places. Wandering can happen anytime or anyplace and can be life-threatening for the individual.
- How does Safe Return Work?
The Safe Return Program helps unite families by working through Alzheimer's Association chapters across the country and trained community members like law enforcement officials, emergency medical technicians, and transit operators. The program includes:
- Identification products, including wallet cards, jewelry, clothing labels, lapel pin, bag tags
- A national photo/information database
- A 24-hour toll-free emergency crisis line
- Alzheimer's Association local chapter support
- Wandering behavior education and training for caregivers and families
If the registrant wanders and is found, the person who finds him/her can call the Safe Return toll-free number located on the wanderer's identification wallet card, jewelry, or clothing labels. The Safe Return telephone operator immediately alerts the family members or caregiver listed in the database, so they can be reunited with their loved one.
If a person is reported missing by a family member or caregiver, Safe Return can fax local law enforcement agencies the missing person's information and photograph. Local Alzheimer's Association chapters provide family support and assistance while police conduct the search and rescue.
- Registration
To register, a person with dementia or their caregiver fills out a simple form, supplies a photograph, and chooses the type of identification product that the registrant will wear and/or carry. The registration fee is $40, and caregiver jewelry is $5.
When registering on-line or by phone, you will be asked to provide the following information:
- Registrant's name and contact information
- Registrant's identifying characteristics (Social Security #, height, weight, eye color, distinguishing marks and characteristics, etc.)
- Registrant's EXACT wrist measurement in inches (required when ordering a bracelet)
- Up to three contact names, addresses, and phone numbers
- Local law enforcement information (address, phone, and fax numbers)
- Credit card number and expiration date
Register in the Safe Return Program with our secure form. It's fast and easy. Register on-line now.
If you would prefer to register by phone using a credit card, call 1-800-487-2585 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m Central time. To register by mail, print the Registration Form and send to the address listed.
- Ideas for Encouraging Someone to Wear Their Safe Return Identification Products
