Alzheimer Wandering Registry Program for Veterans

• Introduction
• Benefits of Registering
• Common Questions
• Bracelets - Common Questions

Introduction

Wandering is one of the more common challenging behaviours with Alzheimer Disease. To give you peace of mind, you can voluntarily register yourself or the person you are caring for with the nationwide Alzheimer Wandering Registry Program developed by the Alzheimer Society of Canada and the RCMP.

This program helps people with Alzheimer Disease return home safely after wandering.

For a one-time fee of $25, you or the person you are caring for is registered with a national database and receives an identification bracelet, identification cards, and a Caregiver Handbook. As of July 2002, Veterans Affairs Canada pays this registration fee for any veteran currently receiving benefits from VAC.

When a person registered with the Program is either reported missing or found wandering, the identification bracelet advises the finder to call the local police. The unique ID number on the bracelet allows police to access the Program's database to quickly determine the person's name, address and the phone number of family or friends to be contacted

Want more information?

• Benefits of Registering
• Common Questions
  How to Register
  Bracelets - Common Questions
• More on Alzheimer Disease and Dementia
• Contact http://www.alzheimer.ca

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Benefits of Registering

Whether you are registering yourself, a family member or a person you are caring for with the Alzheimer Wandering Registry Program, there are a number of benefits for everyone involved.

1. Easy identification of the wandering person

   When a person with memory loss is found wandering, police can check the information on the person's bracelet, which is provided upon registering with the Alzheimer Wandering Registry. The bracelet includes a registration number that can be entered into the national police database to identify the wandering person.

   As well, the bracelet identifies the person only by first name and includes the information: "memory loss, call police." All personal information provided on the registration form and entered into the national database is kept confidential.

2. Safe return of the wandering person

   The police database includes information on who to call if a person with memory loss is found wandering. This helps police return the person home safely as soon as possible.

3. Access to the registrant's information beyond a local area

   No matter where in Canada a person is found wandering, the national database helps local and provincial police, as well as the RCMP, identify the person and help him/her return home safely.

4. Peace of mind

   Knowing that you or the person you are caring for is registered with the Alzheimer Wandering Registry gives you a sense of added security if wandering may occur.

   http://www.alzheimer.ca

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Common Questions

If you interested in registering yourself, a family member or a person you are caring for with the Alzheimer Wandering Registry Program you may find the following frequently asked questions helpful.

The questions and answers are designed to guide you through the registration process and provide you with information on the Alzheimer Wandering Registry Program.

How to Register

1. How do I register myself or the person I am caring for with the Alzheimer Wandering Registry Program?

   1. Obtain a registration form.

      To obtain a registration form you can call your local VAC district office, your local Alzheimer Society or the Alzheimer Society of Canada at 1-800 616-8816.

   2. Fill out the registration form.

      Be sure to fill out the form completely, sign and date it. The registration form clearly asks if you are currently receiving benefits from VAC. If you are currently receiving benefits from VAC, you are not required to pay the $25 registration fee. The Alzheimer Society of Canada will process your application without delay and bill VAC for reimbursement.

   3. Send your completed registration to the address shown on the form.

      Please note: Photocopied or faxed forms will not be accepted.

2. When did VAC begin covering the registration fee for the Alzheimer Wandering Registry Program?

   As of July 2002, VAC began covering the registration fee for eligible veterans wishing to register with the Alzheimer Wandering Registry Program.

3. I registered with Alzheimer Wandering Registry Program and I paid the fee myself. Can I be reimbursed?

   If you are in receipt of benefits from VAC and paid the $25 registration fee after the July 2002 effective date, you are entitled to be reimbursed. Please submit your receipt to the nearest VAC office for reimbursement.

   If you paid the fee prior to July 2002, you are not eligible to be reimbursed.

4. Once I register, what do I receive in the registration package?

   Once you register, the Alzheimer Society of Canada will send you a registration package containing an identification bracelet, a Caregiver Handbook and three identification cards that can be kept in the registrant's wallet and/or purse. As well, there will be an update sent out on each anniversary of the person registering.

5. How long will it take to receive the registration package?

   It takes approximately three to four weeks to receive your registration package, once the Alzheimer Society of Canada (national office) has received your completed form.

6. If I need to change any information, how do I do that?

   The Alzheimer Society of Canada accepts updated information by mail, fax or e-mail. You do not need to complete a second registration form. To ensure accuracy, the Society does not accept updated information by phone.

7. Who do I contact for additional information on the Alzheimer Registry Program?

   For information additional information on the Alzheimer Wandering Registry Program:

   • contact your nearest Veterans Affairs Canada District Office,
   • call the Alzheimer Society of Canada at 1-800 616-8816,
   • contact the local Alzheimer Society closest you, or
   • visit the Alzheimer Society of Canada Web Site at http://www.alzheimer.ca

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Bracelets - Common Questions

1. What information is on the back of the bracelet?

   An example of the information on the back is as follows:

   00000000C
   JANE
   MEMORY LOSS
   CALL POLICE

2. What is the standard bracelet size for men? For women?

   The standard bracelet size for a man is 7.5" and the average size for a woman is 7". If the registrant requires a larger-than-average or smaller bracelet, please indicate this on the registration form.

   The bracelet only comes in one standard style, a stainless steel wrist bracelet.

3. What is the fee to replace a lost bracelet?

   The fee to replace a lost bracelet is $15 payable to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Please include the registrant's last name, first name and, if possible, the registration number on a separate piece of paper.

4. What if the registrant is allergic to metal?

   If a metal allergy is a concern, you can coat the bracelet with clear nail polish. If you have severe sensitivities to metal, please contact the Alzheimer Society.

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