1. Try to include your loved one in some holiday preparations. Give him or her something to do that is within their abilities and that will make them feel useful. Occupying their time will help you get other things done as well.
2. Maintain a sense of familiarity. Go easy on the decorations, and don’t move too much furniture to accommodate trees or other objects. Changing familiar surroundings can lead to confusion, especially for someone with memory or physical challenges. Extra cords, fragile decorations, and piles of gifts can be hazards to those with limited mobility.
3. With all of the holiday hubbub, your loved one could become more confused and agitated. Try to limit the number of guests in your home at one time, and make sure that someone is always aware of the whereabouts of your loved one. If he or she tends to wander, there is a chance that this may happen when everyone thinks someone else is “on watch.”
4. Ask for help! Don’t try to take on all of the burdens of caring for your loved one and preparing for the holidays. Something as simple as asking a neighbor or other relative to stay with your loved one for a few hours while you get some shopping done can make all the difference between a calm and a stressed-out holiday.
5. Visit the newly enhanced Alzheimer’s Channel on caregiver.com to learn from articles such as “Helping Children Understand Alzheimer’s” and “Holiday Gift Ideas.”
6. Most importantly, take time for yourself. Spend an hour in a bubble bath, read a book, play in the snow. Do something that you enjoy, and have fun. The holidays are about fun and enjoyment, so make sure that you have some of both.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Project Lifesaver Recognizes Alzheimer's Awareness Month
Bringing Loved Ones Home – November 2009
Project Lifesaver International, a non-profit organization specializing in training public safety agencies on search and rescue programs to help individuals with cognitive conditions, recognizes November as National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.
According to the National Institutes of Health as many as 2.4 to 4.5 million Americans currently have Alzheimer’s disease - an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that destroys memory and intellectual function. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 60% of those with Alzheimer’s will wander at some point during the progression of the disease – many of them, repeatedly. Over a period of years, the disease leads to the loss of cognitive function and a long period of dependency. Advancing age is the greatest risk factor for the disease - the incidence doubles every 5 years after age 65. The number of people age 65 and older in the United States is projected to double to 72 million by 2030, and the incidence of Alzheimer’s is expected to rise significantly as the nation’s population ages and life expectancies lengthen.
To help combat the issue of wandering, Project Lifesaver helps train public safety agencies to conduct search and rescue efforts by using state-of-the-art technology to find missing persons who wander, particularly those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. These efforts have drastically reduced search times, and they have helped find loved ones quicker and easier with an average search time of 30 minutes or less. Project Lifesaver agencies have rescued over 2,000 cognitively challenged individuals successfully with no serious injuries or deaths reported. In addition to Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Project Lifesaver would also like to recognize National Family Caregivers Month and thank caregivers for all they do for others.
Project Lifesaver Rescues This Month Involving Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease
Wayne Township Fire Department, Indiana
A 79-year old man with Alzheimer’s disease went missing on October 31 in Indianapolis. It was unknown how long the man had been missing, but rescue teams detected the clients’ signal and began following it using the search equipment. The man was located approximately 3 blocks away in good condition.
Cape May County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey
On November 3, an 85-year old female with Alzheimer’s disease disappeared in the evening. The woman was located 26 minutes following the time Project Lifesaver teams arrived on scene. Using search and rescue equipment, the officers were able to locate the woman quickly and in good condition.
Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia
On November 8, a 72-year old man with Alzheimer’s disease went missing. Specially trained Project Lifesaver search and rescue teams began searching. The subject was located twelve miles from the point last seen and returned home safely with no injuries.
Alzheimer’s disease is a growing and serious responsibility. This month, Project Lifesaver encourages all organizations, businesses, and individuals to educate themselves on Alzheimer’s disease and discover ways you can help bring awareness and support to your communities. More information can be found at www.projectlifesaver.org
Project Lifesaver International, a non-profit organization specializing in training public safety agencies on search and rescue programs to help individuals with cognitive conditions, recognizes November as National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.
According to the National Institutes of Health as many as 2.4 to 4.5 million Americans currently have Alzheimer’s disease - an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that destroys memory and intellectual function. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 60% of those with Alzheimer’s will wander at some point during the progression of the disease – many of them, repeatedly. Over a period of years, the disease leads to the loss of cognitive function and a long period of dependency. Advancing age is the greatest risk factor for the disease - the incidence doubles every 5 years after age 65. The number of people age 65 and older in the United States is projected to double to 72 million by 2030, and the incidence of Alzheimer’s is expected to rise significantly as the nation’s population ages and life expectancies lengthen.
To help combat the issue of wandering, Project Lifesaver helps train public safety agencies to conduct search and rescue efforts by using state-of-the-art technology to find missing persons who wander, particularly those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. These efforts have drastically reduced search times, and they have helped find loved ones quicker and easier with an average search time of 30 minutes or less. Project Lifesaver agencies have rescued over 2,000 cognitively challenged individuals successfully with no serious injuries or deaths reported. In addition to Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Project Lifesaver would also like to recognize National Family Caregivers Month and thank caregivers for all they do for others.
Project Lifesaver Rescues This Month Involving Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease
Wayne Township Fire Department, Indiana
A 79-year old man with Alzheimer’s disease went missing on October 31 in Indianapolis. It was unknown how long the man had been missing, but rescue teams detected the clients’ signal and began following it using the search equipment. The man was located approximately 3 blocks away in good condition.
Cape May County Sheriff’s Office, New Jersey
On November 3, an 85-year old female with Alzheimer’s disease disappeared in the evening. The woman was located 26 minutes following the time Project Lifesaver teams arrived on scene. Using search and rescue equipment, the officers were able to locate the woman quickly and in good condition.
Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia
On November 8, a 72-year old man with Alzheimer’s disease went missing. Specially trained Project Lifesaver search and rescue teams began searching. The subject was located twelve miles from the point last seen and returned home safely with no injuries.
Alzheimer’s disease is a growing and serious responsibility. This month, Project Lifesaver encourages all organizations, businesses, and individuals to educate themselves on Alzheimer’s disease and discover ways you can help bring awareness and support to your communities. More information can be found at www.projectlifesaver.org
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
CEO and Founder of Project Lifesaver International, Gene Saunders, Selected to Receive Two Awards From Local Community
September 21, 2009 - Chesapeake, Va – Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Project Lifesaver International, Gene Saunders, was recently recognized by his community for his non-profit work that helps rescue citizens who are prone to wander due to Alzheimer’s disease, autism, and other cognitive disorders.
Chief Saunders has been selected to receive The Masonic Building Communities Award from the Chesapeake Berkley Lodge – Grand Lodge of Virginia. This program shows appreciation for outstanding community-oriented achievements of non-Masons who reside and work in cities and towns. The award recognizes outstanding men and women who are instrumental in building our communities into a better place for all people to live and work.
Chief Saunders has also been selected to receive The Bank of America’s Local Hero Community Initiative Award. This award acknowledges someone who champions a cause vital to his community, who inspire others to get involved, and who has made a significant impact on individuals, families, and/or communities. He will be recognized at a ceremony in October.
These awards came just days after Project Lifesaver accepted a federal grant to help continue their lifesaving work. The federal funding will assist in education, awareness, equipment, and public policy efforts to help expand across the country – directly helping individuals, living with Alzheimer’s disease, who wander.
Nationwide, over 1,000 law enforcement agencies are members of Project Lifesaver, which boasts an average find-time of 30 minutes, nearly 2,000 successful searches to date, and a 100% success rate. Since the national average for standard search and recovery missions is nine hours, this high program efficacy dramatically cuts taxpayer dollars spent on search and rescue, frees up officers for other assignments, and saves lives.
Chief Saunders has been selected to receive The Masonic Building Communities Award from the Chesapeake Berkley Lodge – Grand Lodge of Virginia. This program shows appreciation for outstanding community-oriented achievements of non-Masons who reside and work in cities and towns. The award recognizes outstanding men and women who are instrumental in building our communities into a better place for all people to live and work.
Chief Saunders has also been selected to receive The Bank of America’s Local Hero Community Initiative Award. This award acknowledges someone who champions a cause vital to his community, who inspire others to get involved, and who has made a significant impact on individuals, families, and/or communities. He will be recognized at a ceremony in October.
These awards came just days after Project Lifesaver accepted a federal grant to help continue their lifesaving work. The federal funding will assist in education, awareness, equipment, and public policy efforts to help expand across the country – directly helping individuals, living with Alzheimer’s disease, who wander.
Nationwide, over 1,000 law enforcement agencies are members of Project Lifesaver, which boasts an average find-time of 30 minutes, nearly 2,000 successful searches to date, and a 100% success rate. Since the national average for standard search and recovery missions is nine hours, this high program efficacy dramatically cuts taxpayer dollars spent on search and rescue, frees up officers for other assignments, and saves lives.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Honorary Ambassador Appointed - Erik Estrada
Erik Estrada was appointed Project Lifesaver's Honorary Ambassador last Sunday in Lynchburg, Virginia. http://newsblaze.com/story/2009081212010300004.pnw/topstory.html
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Recent End of July/Early August RESCUES!
Toms River, New Jersey
In New Jersey, a 90-year old woman with Alzheimer’s disease went missing in the early morning. Upon notification, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the missing Project Lifesaver client. Upon approaching, the officers started to receive a signal using their equipment, and they continued along the roadway as the signal got stronger. Located nearly 20 feet from the roadway, the woman was rejoined with her granddaughter and rescued in good health.
Lake Worth, Florida
In Florida, an 81 year-old man diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease went missing and the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the scene. While investigating, it was learned the family had waited longer than initially reported to call in the missing wanderer, so the officers expanded their search perimeter. The man was located just outside the perimeter expansion and returned home safely.
Parkersburg, West Virginia
In West Virginia, a 7 year-old boy with Autism went missing. When the Wood County Sheriff’s Office received the call, they secured equipment and started searching. The officers located the client at a local convenience store, where he had gone to look for candy. The mother was reunited with her son in good health.
Tallahassee, Florida
In Florida, a 20-year old mentally ill man went missing. Deputies at the Leon County Sheriff’s Office gathered equipment and launched their search. A signal was detected from the aircrew, and from there, ground units were directed to a small area of a wooded park where they believed the subject was hiding. Ground units found the subject approximately 20 feet from the road in a heavily wooded area. The man was located in good health.
Chillicothe, Ohio
In Ohio, a 44-year old woman, diagnosed with Epilepsy, went missing. Officers of the Ross County Sheriff’s Office received a call from dispatch and they began their search. While responding, they received a signal from their tracking equipment and stopped their cruiser. Responders followed the signal and found the missing woman on a flood wall. She was rescued in good health, approximately ¼ mile from water.
In New Jersey, a 90-year old woman with Alzheimer’s disease went missing in the early morning. Upon notification, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the missing Project Lifesaver client. Upon approaching, the officers started to receive a signal using their equipment, and they continued along the roadway as the signal got stronger. Located nearly 20 feet from the roadway, the woman was rejoined with her granddaughter and rescued in good health.
Lake Worth, Florida
In Florida, an 81 year-old man diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease went missing and the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the scene. While investigating, it was learned the family had waited longer than initially reported to call in the missing wanderer, so the officers expanded their search perimeter. The man was located just outside the perimeter expansion and returned home safely.
Parkersburg, West Virginia
In West Virginia, a 7 year-old boy with Autism went missing. When the Wood County Sheriff’s Office received the call, they secured equipment and started searching. The officers located the client at a local convenience store, where he had gone to look for candy. The mother was reunited with her son in good health.
Tallahassee, Florida
In Florida, a 20-year old mentally ill man went missing. Deputies at the Leon County Sheriff’s Office gathered equipment and launched their search. A signal was detected from the aircrew, and from there, ground units were directed to a small area of a wooded park where they believed the subject was hiding. Ground units found the subject approximately 20 feet from the road in a heavily wooded area. The man was located in good health.
Chillicothe, Ohio
In Ohio, a 44-year old woman, diagnosed with Epilepsy, went missing. Officers of the Ross County Sheriff’s Office received a call from dispatch and they began their search. While responding, they received a signal from their tracking equipment and stopped their cruiser. Responders followed the signal and found the missing woman on a flood wall. She was rescued in good health, approximately ¼ mile from water.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
2009 International Conference - A Huge Success!
Thank you to all who participated in the 2009 International Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana! We had a huge turnout, great food, and incredible speakers. Please be sure to join us next year in October in Virginia Beach, Va!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Indianapolis Conference - NEXT WEEK!
Last minute - book your tickets to our conference today!! Visit www.projectlifesaver.org. Join us in Indianapolis in 2009 - learn more about Project Lifesaver training, equipment, and how to help save loved ones in your community.
Wristband Could Help Find Your Loved Ones Who Wander
http://www.shelbystar.com/news/band-40131-wrist-cleveland.html
You can also visit us at www.projectlifesaver.org.
You can also visit us at www.projectlifesaver.org.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Want to Promote Project Lifesaver in Your Community!?
Visit our online store! - http://www.pliproduct.com/
Project Lifesaver Conference Deadline Fast Approaching!
Don't forget to register for our 2009 National Conference in Indianapolis, IN - July 13-17, 2009! For details, please visit www.projectlifesaver.org.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
List Items on Ebay & Have a Percentage of the Profits go to Project Lifesaver!
Here's how it works!
List your items on ebay - designate a percentage to go to Project Lifesaver - and when someone buys the item, that percentage goes to help victims of Alzheimer's, Autism, and other related disorders.
Click here to learn more! It's so easy, and could help save lives-http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/selling-nonprofit.html
List your items on ebay - designate a percentage to go to Project Lifesaver - and when someone buys the item, that percentage goes to help victims of Alzheimer's, Autism, and other related disorders.
Click here to learn more! It's so easy, and could help save lives-http://pages.ebay.com/help/sell/selling-nonprofit.html
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Nominate the 2009 Project Lifesaver AMBASSADOR!
*Now Accepting Ambassador Nominations for 2009!!*
As we celebrate our 1,000th agency to join Project Lifesaver during our 10th anniversary, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who make a difference in your community.
In the spirit of giving back, we are starting a new Ambassador recognition program. To kick off our first year, we are sending a letter to each agency asking them to recognize an OUTSTANDING individual or family in your community that participates in Project Lifesaver.
Please email us a letter or paragraph explaining why the individual or family in your community should be recognized as the face of Project Lifesaver for 2009.
An ambassador can be any group or individual that participates in Project Lifesaver, has been rescued by Project Lifesaver, has an amazing story to share about Project Lifesaver, or is an active member with Project Lifesaver. Any and all children, adults, and families who are nominated will be considered for this recognition.
Deadline for nomination submissions are June 15, 2009
Please send all nominations to:
Christine Platz
cplatz@projectlifesaver.org
Please send your story today – your community member(s) could be featured as our 2009 National Ambassador!
As we celebrate our 1,000th agency to join Project Lifesaver during our 10th anniversary, we would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who make a difference in your community.
In the spirit of giving back, we are starting a new Ambassador recognition program. To kick off our first year, we are sending a letter to each agency asking them to recognize an OUTSTANDING individual or family in your community that participates in Project Lifesaver.
Please email us a letter or paragraph explaining why the individual or family in your community should be recognized as the face of Project Lifesaver for 2009.
An ambassador can be any group or individual that participates in Project Lifesaver, has been rescued by Project Lifesaver, has an amazing story to share about Project Lifesaver, or is an active member with Project Lifesaver. Any and all children, adults, and families who are nominated will be considered for this recognition.
Deadline for nomination submissions are June 15, 2009
Please send all nominations to:
Christine Platz
cplatz@projectlifesaver.org
Please send your story today – your community member(s) could be featured as our 2009 National Ambassador!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
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