Project Lifesaver

About the Program

Category: Human Services (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

In 2009, the Alzheimer’s Association reported that an estimated 5.1 million Americans aged 65 and over have Alzheimer’s and related dementia disorders. It is estimated that up to 50 percent of Alzheimer’s patients wander. To help address this problem, the West Chester County Department of Senior Programs and Services and the Department of Public Safety partnered with local police agencies to implement the Project Lifesaver Program. This innovative program uses radio-frequency technology to find seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia who wander away. The Westchester County Project Lifesaver program began enrolling seniors in July 2008 and has enrolled 85 seniors. Westchester County government recognized that caregivers wanted to be proactive in helping to find their loved one, as swiftly as possible, so they could be returned home safely. Westchester modified the program model to also include a caregiver resource component to assess the needs of the caregiver and enrollee and link them to a multitude of services available for their use. One of the county’s key objectives is to provide caregiver support so that caregivers are not overwhelmed and can provide the best care for their loved ones. The introduction of the Project Lifesaver Program has brought peace of mind to caregivers and families by providing a reliable search and rescue program with proven effectiveness.