TAGS AIM FOR SAFE RETURNS
MedicAlert program seeks to help with wandering children with autism, adults with dementia
TOWN OF ULSTER, N.Y. >> Statistics show more than half of children with autism spectrum disorders will wander out of reach of parents or educators in their lifetimes, said Leah Siuta of the Center for Spectrum Disorders.
These lost and wandering children are at great risk of accidentally falling from high places or drowning, she said, adding that children on the spectrum are “very drawn to water, creeks, pools and rivers.”
A new program offered by the MedicAlert Foundation, and administered locally by town of Ulster police Lt. Kyle S. Berardi, aims to lower that number. Using an online Law Enforcement Agency Portal, the program will also be available to family members caring for adults with dementia and to adults and children with developmental
disabilities who are also at risk for wandering, he said.
Berardi said the free program was brought to his attention by the Hudson Valley Chapter of the Alzherimer’s Association. He said the program, nicknamed LEAP, carries no risk or financial commitment for his department or the town and is funded by the U.S. Department of Justice and administered nationwide by local law enforcement.
“It’s a small part that we can play in making everybody’s safe return home,” he said.
The department will be able to enroll local residents and Center for Spectrum Disorders students regardless of their home addresses. Participants will receive free medical identification bracelets, necklaces or shoe tags and free 24/7 emergency support services, said MedicAlert vice president for marketing and programs Justin Nolan.
MedicAlert Safe Return participants will receive a personalized medical ID with the Safe Return 24/7 toll-free number, a family notification service, a personal emergency health record and advance directive storage.
Nolan said LEAP hopes to reduce “the amount of time and resources law enforcement needs in a crisis situation.”
According to a joint press release issued by town of Ulster police and the MedicAlert Foundation, six in 10 adults with Alzheimer’s or related dementia will wander. The charity reports a 98 percent success rate for locating missing persons when their products are used.
“MedicAlert has been hailed as an important part of the overall safety plan for families with a loved one at risk,” the release states.
Siuta, who said while the Center for Spectrum Disorders works with parents, staff and clients, “goes to great lengths to maintain safety for our children” and will continue to do so, the LEAP program “will be so very important” in their efforts to keep children safe.
MedicAlert products are also available for purchase by individuals with medical needs, food allergies and other conditions who may want their information communicated to medical professionals in the event of an accident after which they are unable to communicate to first responders.
Families in need of LEAP, who are interested in obtaining a free medical ID and 24/7 services may contact town of Ulster police at (845) 382- 1111 or email Berardi at ksberardi@ulsterpolice.com.
Other police agencies interested in joining the program can visit www.medicalert.org/leap for more information.