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The Ontario Provincial Police are encouraging families, caregivers, and communities to adopt safety strategies for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, particularly when wandering or going missing becomes a risk. According to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario, 60 per cent of people with dementia-related memory problems will wander at some point.
The OPP recommends combining technology with community awareness to locate individuals quickly and safely. Tracking devices, including GPS, radio frequency, and Bluetooth, each have strengths and limitations. GPS works best outdoors, RF is effective indoors, and Bluetooth offers long battery life but limited range. Families are advised to research options carefully, considering privacy, independence, and safety.
Project Lifesaver, implemented by more than 20 OPP-policed communities, uses wearable transmitters and specialized receivers to locate missing individuals within minutes. The OPP provides officer training and support at no cost to communities that adopt the program.
Additional resources include the Finding Your Way program and door alarms that alert caregivers when someone leaves home. Early discussions about tracking devices and safety strategies are recommended after a dementia diagnosis to help families make informed decisions.
The OPP continues to partner with health organizations, long-term care facilities, and families to promote safety and awareness. For more information, contact your local Alzheimer Society or OPP detachment. If a person goes missing, call 9-1-1 immediately.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
