Registration available at St. Joseph-Breese for Alzheimer's Assoc. Safe Return program

Memory loss and wandering behavior are serious concerns for families but St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese and the Alzheimer's Association may be able to help.

The Alzheimer's Association sponsors a nationwide identification and support program, Safe Return, which assists in the safe return of individuals with Alzheimer's or related dementia. Help is available 24 hours a day, whenever a person is lost or found.

Should a loved one become lost, Safe Return faxes information and a photo to law enforcement. If someone finds a registrant, the finder can call the 800 number on the identification bracelet or necklace and loved ones are notified.

The Alzheimer's Association received a grant to establish a Safe Return program in Clinton County therefore the $40 enrollment fee is being waived for county residents (proof of residence required) while funds are available. The $20 annual fee may also be dropped for county residents, depending on funding. Those from outside Clinton County can also register but fees will be assessed.

Those participating receive an engraved ID bracelet or necklace, clothing labels, a caregiver checklist, key chain, magnet with emergency telephone number, stickers, wallet cards and wandering prevention information. Those registering will need a recent photo of their loved one, contact information and a wrist measurement if the ID bracelet is selected and the registrant cannot attend.

Registration for the Safe Return program is now available by contacting Senior Renewal at St. Joseph's in Breese: 526-5699 or sradford@sjb.hshs.org. Information is also available at www.alzstl.org , the association's St. Louis Chapter website.