Alzheimer’s disease causes millions of Americans to lose their ability to recognize familiar places and faces. Many people cannot even remember their name or address. They may become disoriented and lost in their neighborhood or far from home.

It is common for a person with Alzheimer’s disease to wander, many repeatedly, during the disease process. This behavior can be dangerous, even life-threatening to individuals and stressful for caregivers.

There is help. The Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return program assists in the safe return of individuals with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia who wander and become lost.

For safety and pace of mind, register now in Safe Return.

• Safe Return Assistance

Safe Return is a nationwide identification, support and registration program working at the community level. Safe Return provides assistance whether a person becomes lost locally or far from home. Assistance is available 24 hours, every day, whenever a person is lost or found.

• Safe Return Identification

Safe Return identification products enable others to help individuals with Alzheimer's or a related dementia. With the $40 registration fee*, you receive the following products (note: identification products are sent to the physical address of the primary contact unless otherwise indicated):

• Engraved identification bracelet or necklace and iron-on clothing labels
• Caregiver Checklist, key chain, lapel pin, refrigerator magnet, stickers and wallet cards

*Scholarships are available to Maine residents. Contact us at 1-800-660-2871 to find out more.

• Safe Return Support

If a registrant is missing, Safe Return can fax the person’s information and photo to the local law enforcement department.

If a registrant is found, a citizen or law official can call the 800 number on the identification products. Safe Return can access registrant information and notify listed contacts.

The Maine Alzheimer's Association can provide information about wandering and support to families if someone becomes lost.

For more information or to receive a Safe Return registration brochure, contact erika.lowe@ alz.org call our Helpline 1-800-660-2871.

To register on-line, click here