NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH POLICE SERVICE
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On May 23, 2020, at 5:20 p.m., the Guelph Police Service were notified that a 75-year-old female with dementia was missing from her residence on Sleeman Avenue in the City of Guelph.
The female is a part of Project Lifesaver Guelph Wellington. Numerous officers were sent to the area and Project Lifesaver equipment was deployed.
At approximately 5:52 p.m., the female was located a short distance from her home. She was in good condition and did not require any medical attention.
Project Lifesaver Guelph Wellington assists caregivers and responds to the challenges of keeping loved ones safe when they wander due to Alzheimer's, autism, dementia or other forms of cognitive impairment.
Participants wear a battery-operated bracelet that sends an FM radio signal 24 hours a day. It even works in areas such as buildings and forests.
Volunteers from Victim Services Wellington visit each client once a month to change the battery.
When a caregiver tells their local police service that a client has gone missing, trained police officers will use Project Lifesaver equipment to search for and locate the missing person.
- Time it takes to find missing people with Project Lifesaver average 30 minutes — 95 per cent less time than without.
- Project Lifesaver has a 100% find rate.
Project Lifesaver does not replace the position of a caregiver, but it is a tool that can save lives and reduce stress felt by family members.
There is a startup fee to join the program as well as a monthly cost to maintain the equipment.
For additional information on Project Lifesaver, please contact Victim Services Wellington at (519) 824-1212 ext. 7205.
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