In 2016, Nancy Paulikas wandered away from her family while visiting LACMA. This November would have been her 59th birthday. Wandering can happen at any time. People with dementia can become easily confused or overwhelmed, making them more susceptible to getting lost. Are you prepared if your loved one goes missing?

Nancy was living with young-onset Alzheimer’s and her disappearance sparked a county- wide initiative now called LA Found. Because of the advocacy of her husband, Kirk Moody, and her parents, George and Joan Paulikas, Los Angeles County is improving its response to incidence to reports of wandering. This includes the adoption of Project Lifesaver, a wearable tracking device that can be used to find a person with cognitive decline when they go missing.

Interested in learning more about Project Lifesaver tracking devices? Visit L.A. Found or call our Helpline at 844-435-7259 to speak to one of our care counselors.

Read more about safety and wandering.