Safe Return is an identification database program of the Alzheimer Association that assists in the identification and safe, timely return of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias who wander off, sometimes far from home, and become lost.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Safe Return Program is the only nationwide program of its kind. Since the program began in 1993, nearly 100,000 individuals have registered in Safe Return nationwide. The program has facilitated the recovery of more than 7,500 individuals to their families and caregivers with an over 99% success rate in safely returning those registered in the program.

What is wandering?
People with Alzheimer’s disease are prone to wander. They can become lost (even in familiar settings), leave a safe environment, or intrude in inappropriate places. Wandering can happen anytime or anyplace and can be life-threatening for the individual.

How does Safe Return Work?
The Safe Return Program helps unite families by working through Alzheimer’s Association chapters across the country and trained community members like law enforcement officials, emergency medical technicians, and transit operators. The program includes:

• Identification items, including wallet cards, jewelry, clothing labels, lapel pins, and bag tags
• A national photo and information database
• A 24-hour toll-free emergency crisis line
• Alzheimer’s Association local chapter support
• Wandering behavior education and training for caregivers and families

If the registrant wanders and is found, the person who finds him/her can call the Safe Return toll-free number located on the wanderer’s identification wallet card, jewelry, or clothing labels. The Safe Return telephone operator immediately alerts the family members or caregiver listed in the database, so they can be reunited with their loved one.

If a person is reported missing by a family member or caregiver, Safe Return can fax local law enforcement agencies the missing person’s information and photograph. Local Alzheimer’s Association chapters provide family support and assistance while police conduct the search and rescue.

Registration
To register, a person with dementia or their caregiver fills out a simple form, supplies a photograph, and chooses the type of identification product that the registrant will wear and/or carry. The registration fee is $40, and caregiver jewelry is $15. Check with your local Alzheimer's Association chapter to find out if scholarships are available in your area to cover the cost of registration.

When registering on-line or by phone, you will be asked to provide the following information:

• Registrant's name and contact information
• Registrant's identifying characteristics (Social Security #, height, weight, eye color, distinguishing marks and characteristics, etc.)
• Registrant's EXACT wrist measurement in inches (required when ordering a bracelet)
• Up to three contact names, addresses, and phone numbers
• Local law enforcement information (address, phone, and fax numbers)
• Credit card number and expiration date

You can register online in the Safe Return Program with our secure form.

If you would prefer to register by phone using a credit card, call 888-572-8566 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m central time. To register by mail, print the Registration Form and send to the address listed.

Registration form in Chinese. PDF file
Registration form in Korean. PDF file
Registration form in Polish. PDF file
Registration form in Russian. PDF file
Registration form in Spanish. PDF file
Registration form in Vietnamese. PDF file

More information
For more information about wandering and Safe Return, see the resources below or contact your the Houston and Southeast Chapter at 713-266-6400.

• Safe Return Fact Sheet in PDF format (includes a registration form)
• About Wandering: Preventing and Preparing for Wandering Behavior Fact Sheet in PDF format
• Wandering: Who is at Risk? Fact Sheet in PDF format
• Encouraging Someone to Wear Their Safe Return ID Products Fact Sheet in PDF format
• Guide for Law Enforcement Fact Sheet in PDF format
• Wandering in Alzheimer's Disease Resource List
• Learn about Other Safety Issues

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