Project Lifesaver is a portable GPS-like tracking device worn by dementia and Alzheimer's patients who have a tendency to wander away from their homes.
AFS takes a digital photo of the patient, gathers demographic information, and uploads the data into a secure database that is accessible by law enforcement personnel. If a patient wanders off, the caregiver notifies the authorities and the search begins. The unique frequency located in the watch-like case helps law enforcement and search and rescue teams reduce search times to under an hour, versus traditional searches that can take several hours or even days.
The transmitters are provided by Alzheimer's Family Services at no cost to the participant however, there is a monthly maintenance fee. AFS will assist with the maintenance cost if a family is unable to participate due to lack of funds. This program is currently available in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.
Before Project Lifesaver, searches across the country were averaging 9 hours and costing taxpayers approximately $1,500 per hour. Many searches actually took days, with hundreds of responders, resulting in much higher costs and many with tragic endings. One search in Chesapeake in 1979 cost the city $342,000 and was unsuccessful. The basic cost to start this program in an agency is less than $8,000, finding someone alive is priceless.
To enroll in Project Lifesaver or to make a donation to support the program, contact AFS at (850) 478-7790.
