Alzheimer Society of Ottawa
Alzheimer Society of Ottawa
*Content provided by the Alzheimer Society
What is Alzheimer Disease?
Approximately 10,000 people in Ottawa have Alzheimer Disease or a related dementia.
Alzheimer Disease is a degenerative brain disorder that destroys vital brain cells. Symptoms include loss of memory, judgment and reasoning and changes in mood and behaviour. It most often occurs in people over 65, but can affect adults at an earlier age. It is not a normal part of aging. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor if any of these symptoms occur.
The Alzheimer Society is a not-for-profit health organization dedicated to helping people affected by Alzheimer Disease.
What they Offer:
- One-on-One support to individuals and families
- Family Support Groups (English & French)
- Specialized Family Support Groups (e.g. Wives, Daughters, Husbands/Sons, Early Alzheimer Individuals, Caregiver Information & Discussion Groups
- Enhancing Care Program
- Resource Centre (Books & Videos, Journals)
- Safely HomeTM Program/Alzheimer Wandering Registry
- Education Workshops
- Speakers' Bureau
- Newsletter "Alzheimer lifeline"
- Renfrew County Satellite Office
- Volunteer Education Program
- First Link Program
Safely Home
People with Alzheimer Disease 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 HomeTM is a nationwide program designed to help find the person who is lost and assist in a sage 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.
How does Safely Home work?
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.
How do I register?
Registration is voluntary. Simply contact the Alzheimer Society. For a one-time fee of $25, the registrant will receive an identification bracelet and identification cards. Wearing the bracelet and keeping the cards in places such as wallets and coat pockets aid in quickly identifying people should they become lost. The Alzheimer Society will update the registrant's file annually.
More information
When you register, you will also receive a handbook with helpful information including:
- how to identify people who are at risk of leaving home and becoming lost
- how to adapt the environment to prevent someone from leaving home and becoming lost
- procedures to follow should someone go missing.
For more information on safely home, contact the Alzheimer Society of Ottawa:
1750 Russell Rd., Suite 1742
Building 2 Perley Centre
Ottawa, ON
K1G 5Z6
(613) 523-4004
asoc@alzheimerott.orgalzheimer-ottawa-rc.org
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.