About the Safely Home® Registry

As Alzheimer's disease affects each area of the brain, certain functions can be lost. These may include the ability to recognize familiar places, the ability to remember one's own name or address, or the ability to communicate. The loss of these abilities can result in changes in a person's behaviour. For example, a person may leave home, become confused and get lost. This behaviour can be dangerous for people with Alzheimer's disease. It is also worrisome for family members and caregivers.

If you have Alzheimer's or a related disease, we recommend that you become a member of Safely Home by registering yourself with the program. You also can register someone whom you support too. Pre-planning now can avoid a tragedy later.

Safely Home® assists police in finding a person who is lost and returning them safely to their home. It is a nationwide program developed by the Alzheimer Society of Canada in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Once a person is registered (the "member"), vital information is stored confidentially on a police database. This information can be accessed by police anywhere in Canada. A similar program exists in the United States, Safe Return.

Registration is voluntary. For a one-time fee of $35, the Alzheimer Society provides:

• an identification bracelet
• a Caregiver Handbook
• identification cards
• updates to the member's file as often as they are provided by the caregivers or the member.

If a member is reported missing

If a member goes missing, the caregiver should contact the local police. The police, accessing the computer database, will find pertinent information on the member including personal history, physical characteristics and locations where the person is known to visit. It is important for family members and caregivers to keep an up-to-date photo of the member on hand.

When a member is found

When a member is found, the police use the identification number on the bracelet to search the computer database, and determine where the person lives and whom to contact.