Toronto Dementia Network

Safely Home

People with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias sometimes lose the ability to recognize familiar places, to communicate or to remember their own name or address. They may leave home, become confused and get lost. This can be dangerous for people with the disease and worrisome for caregivers. But there is help.

Safely Home™ is a nationwide program designed to help find the person who is lost and assist in a safe return home. Developed by the Alzheimer Society of Canada in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, a registry stores vital information confidentially on a police database. The information can be accessed by police anywhere in Canada and the United States.

When a registrant goes missing... the caregiver calls the local police. Accessing the computer database, the police will find pertinent information about the registrant including personal history, physical characteristics and locations where the person is known to visit. It is important for caregivers to keep an up-to-date photo of the registrant on hand.

When a registrant is found... the police use the identification number from the person's ID bracelet to search the computer database. They determine where the person lives and who to contact, and ensure that the person is returned Safely Home.

To register for the Safely Home™ program:
Print out the Registration Form available online.
Submit the form and registration fee of $35 to the Alzheimer Society of Toronto.
Processing takes approximately 6 weeks.
Please note: Veterans' Affairs Canada will pay the registration fee for veterans in Canada who qualify.
For more details visit Alzheimer Wandering Registry Program for Veterans.

For more information call the Alzheimer Society of Toronto at 416-322-6560
or download the Safely Home Brochure

Wearing the bracelet and keeping the cards in places such as wallets and coat pockets aids in quickly identifying people should they become lost. The Alzheimer Society will update the registrant's file annually.

Any individual experiencing memory deficits or cognitive impairment may qualify for this program, an official diagnosis of dementia is not required.

Toronto Dementia Network. 2007