Alzheimer’s safety program available
The Alvin A. Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center offers a safety program for Alzheimer’s caregivers in Lee County.
The Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center’s safety program was created to provide caregivers with tools to implement an emergency plan to prevent crises. Each packet includes an emergency plan kit and identification bracelet for the memory-impaired person.
The kit is intended to help eliminate the possibility of a crisis situation if the caregiver of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder requires emergency care. Emergency workers who come to rescue the caregiver may not know a memory-impaired adult resides in the home, and therefore, may leave the person with Alzheimer’s alone when they take the caregiver to the hospital.
The safety program universal symbol, included with the kit, is designed to alert emergency workers that a memory-impaired person resides in the home. The symbol hangs on the front of the home’s refrigerator.
The packet of forms, which contain important emergency contacts and care instructions provided by the caregiver, are located inside the refrigerator.
Once an emergency worker sees the symbol, he or she will automatically know to search for an Alzeimer’s client in the house and, using the information in the refrigerator, take appropriate measures to see that care for the person is provided.
The Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center staff works with local law enforcement and emergency workers throughout Lee County to help train them on how the safety program can assist them when they respond to an emergency involving the caregiver of an individual with memory loss.
For information contact, Dotty St. Amand at 437-3007.