Safety

Alzheimer’s disease causes changes in the brain that may affect safety. Depending on the stage of the disease, this can include changes in judgment, abstract thinking, sense of time/place and behavior. Taking measures to ensure safety at all times can help prevent injuries, and it can help people with dementia feel relaxed and less overwhelmed.

Home Modification

Accessible Design and Consulting
420 Hindry Ave., #B
Inglewood, CA 90301
(310) 215-3332
accessibleconstruction.com

Active Homes
Aging in Place Home Modification
(855) 924-7663
aginginplacemods.com/

Forever Active
(888) 705-7441
foreveractivemed.com

Los Angeles Housing Department
HomeSecure Program
Handy Worker Program; call for a referral
(213) 808-8803 English
(213)808-8808 Toll-free/Spanish
housing.lacity.org/residents/handyworker

Stayhome Safe, Inc
(626) 792-0070
stayhomesafe.com

Other Safety Devices

The Alzheimer’s Store
Products designed for people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias and their caregivers
(800) 752-3238
alzstore.com

Connect America
A personal response service that provides 24-hour assistance via a push button device worn by the individual registered in the program
(800) 815-5809

Technological Options for Wandering Concerns

GPS & Technology Options

Take Along Tracker
https://metalert.shop

Pocketfinder
www.pocketfinder.com

GPS SmartSole
https://metalert.shop

Apple Air Tag
www.apple.com/airtag or search Apple air tag” on amazon.com

Tile
www.tile.com

AngelSense Watch
Search “AngelSense Watch” on amazon.com

Jiobit
Search “Jiobit” on amazon.com

Low Technology Options

MedicAlert®
A 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia who are at risk for wandering or having a medical emergency. Visit www.medicalert.org
 
ID Bracelet
Search “medical ID bracelet” on amazon.com.
 
Clothing Labels
Printed cloth labels can be attached to clothing items to assist in identification.  For a no-cost option, consider a permanent marker.  Many options available online, including www.namemaker.com, www.label-land.com and www.itsminelabels.com
 
Phone Applications
Many smart phones have real time GPS tracking abilities.  There are many applications available, most at no cost.  Visit your phone’s app store or speak with your cell phone provider. Note: this will help only if the person with dementia has their smart phone on them when they wander.
L. A. Found logo
L.A. Found:
Project Lifesaver

Project Lifesaver offers trackable bracelets for at-risk individuals in Los Angeles County
https://ad.lacounty.gov/lafound/

Simple illustration of a confused man at a crossroads
SAFETY

When Wandering Happens

Wandering is not mindless walking.
It can happen at any time. People with dementia can become easily confused or overwhelmed, making them more susceptible to getting lost.

Be Prepared In Case Your Loved One Goes Missing

  • Have current photo and basic personal information like height, weight, and identification markers.

  • Know favorite places, commonly taken routes, etc.

  • Let folks in the neighborhood know that if they see the person with dementia alone, to call you.

  • Remember that tracking devices and wearables can be taken off.

  • Keep a recently worn article of clothing in a sealed plastic bag. Touch it as little as possible and repace at least once a month. This will help with the canine search.

  • Create a phone tree that can be activated in case the person goes missing.

Contact our Helpine for more information: 844.HELP.ALZ (844.435.7259) or help@alzla.org

We make every effort to include as many relevant resources as possible; however, Alzheimer’s Los Angeles does not endorse the agencies listed in this directory nor was any payment received for their inclusion.