EMERGENCY: 911 | NON-EMERGENCY: 519-537-2323 | ADMINISTRATION: 519-421-2800 | CRIME STOPPERS: 519-421-8477
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| Alzheimer Wandering Registry |
RationaleAlzheimer Disease is a degenerative brain disorder that destroys vital brain cells. It most often occurs in people over 65, but can strike adults at any age.Alzheimer Disease is not a normal part of ageing and it is not just memory loss. The disease usually begins with small changes in a person's behaviour and memory. Eventually, it affects all aspects of a person's life - the ability to think,understand, remember, communicate and perform simple tasks. While each person experiences different symptoms, some behaviours are common. Wandering is a typical behaviour. Many individuals with the disease like to keep moving. They may be focused on going to a particular place, or roaming aimlessly. The wandering can happen day or night. GuidelinesBeginning in January 1991, The Police Services in Oxford County became involved in the program. A form was sent to the Department which included physical description, next of kin, medical details and a photograph.Since 1996 Alzheimer Canada and the R.C.M.P. have developed the National Wandering Persons Registry centred in Toronto. All of the local information is forwarded to the central office and then placed on C.P.I.C. through an agreement with the R.C.M.P. We will now have a photograph sent to us with the individuals name and date of birth on the back. All the information will be on C.P.I.C. Department Responsibility
Officer's Responsibility
A manual which explains Alzheimer's disease, the symptoms and behaviours which might bring the individual to the attention of a police officer and how best to deal with him/her is maintained at Police Headquarters. Individuals who have a family member suffering from this disease may register their name in the Alzheimer Wandering Persons Registry. Vital information about him/her is stored confidentially on a police database. Should an individual be found wandering or reported missing, the information can be accessed by police anywhere in Canada on C.P.I.C. Registration is voluntary. For a one time fee of $25.00, the Alzheimer Society provides an identification bracelet, a Caregiver handbook and I.D. cards. For information on the Alzheimer Wandering Registry individuals can contact: Alzheimer Society of Oxford 519-421-2466 or 1-800-616-8816 (Toronto) |