Care and support - Safety - Safety in the community

Keeping safe while outside the home is also important. The following section addresses how to maintain safety in your community.

Frequently asked questions

How can I stay safe if I'm outside of my home?

The MedicAlert® Safely Home® program offered by the Alzheimer Society of Canada is a service that will assist you in getting home should you become lost. By registering with the program, your name will be added to a national registry and you will be given an identification bracelet to wear. If you become lost or confused, using your identification number on your bracelet will allow the police to bring you home safely. Registration for Safely Home is voluntary.

The Finding Your Way® resource can also help you and your care partner(s) recognize the risk of going missing, be prepared for incidents of going missing, and ensure that you can live safely in the community.


Other strategies to stay safe in the community include:

  • Having a companion go with you on a walk or trip
  • Telling your neighbours and attendants you trust at the stores you frequent the most about your dementia and how they can support you
  • Asking for help if you need it. Explain to people that you have a memory problem and need assistance.
  • Going to the nearest house or store for help if you are lost instead of trying to find your own way home
  • If you live in an apartment, marking your apartment door with a brightly coloured wreath or marker so you recognize it when you come home
  • Taking a cell phone with you is also a good idea
  • Keeping your address and important contact information in your wallet or purse when you go out

Source: The information above comes from:

Adapted from Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2006). MedicAlert® Safely Home®. Toronto, Canada: Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Adapted from Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2003). Just for you. Toronto, Canada: Alzheimer Society of Canada.

How can I protect my family member from becoming lost?

MedicAlert® Safely Home® program is a nationwide program in Canada offered by the Alzheimer Society of Canada and designed to find the person with dementia who is lost and assist in a safe return home. If a registrant goes missing, the care partner can call the local police who can access detailed information about the registrant. When the registrant is found, the police can use the identification number on the person's ID bracelet to determine where they live. Registration for Safely Home is voluntary. 

The Finding Your Way® resource can also people with dementia and their care partner(s) recognize the risk of going missing, be prepared for incidents of going missing, and ensure that you can they can live safely in the community.

Other strategies include:

  • Visiting neighbours and shops in the local area to explain the situation and to leave a contact phone number
  • Having your family member wear a personal identification bracelet (see information above on MedicAlert® Safely Home® Program)
  • Having a family member carry a list of emergency numbers in their wallet or purse at all times
  • Having a current photo available for reference

Source: The information above comes from:

Adapted from Alzheimer Society of Canada. (2006). MedicAlert® Safely Home®. Toronto, Canada: Alzheimer Society of Canada.
 
Government of South Australia: Department for Communities and Social Inclusion. (2008). Dementia: safety in the home [Information Sheet]. South Australia: Government of South Australia.

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