In the complex world of dementia care, characterized by uncertainty and disorientation, MedicAlert's Safe & Found Program stands as a vital support system for those impacted and their caregivers. This thoughtfully designed program is pivotal in aiding individuals with dementia who are prone to wandering. It has shown remarkable success in reuniting families and improving the lives of those affected. Beyond its direct impact, the program is instrumental in gathering essential data, which MedicAlert uses to enhance and broaden its services, addressing the multifaceted nature of dementia-related wandering with greater precision and understanding.
During 2023, MedicAlert embarked on a comprehensive research project with our partners at the University of Waterloo School of Public Health. Dr. Lili Liu and her team combed more than five years' worth of data that paints a picture of those who are on Canada’s National Wandering Registry which is managed by MedicAlert.
One of the key findings is that 78.4% of those people on the National Wandering Registry came to MedicAlert because they had already had a wandering incident and were living with the impacts of dementia. Others have experienced a wandering incident after putting themselves onto the Registry. This statistic showcases the ongoing challenges faced by these individuals and their caregivers. Today, 89.5% of those on the Registry have a history of wandering, underscoring the necessity for continuous monitoring and initiative-taking intervention.
So where exactly does the burden of caregiving fall when it comes to wandering? Our research highlighted the fact that 89.1% of those on the Registry have family members as their primary emergency contacts, bringing attention to the crucial role families play in the care and safety of their loved ones with dementia.
The living arrangements of these individuals provide insight into their daily lives and support networks. Approximately 64.1% live with family, stressing the importance of familial care and the need for support for family caregivers, who often lack specialized dementia care knowledge. Meanwhile, 20% reside in specialized facilities, and a significant 13.2% live alone, each scenario presenting various levels of supervision and care... and reinforces the needs for greater supportive services that MedicAlert can provide.
The Safe & Found program research also shed light on the demographics of those it serves. For instance, the average age of individuals on the Registry is 82 years old. This finding is deepened by the fact that there is a higher prevalence of dementia wandering among women, emphasizing gender-specific aspects in dementia care. Additionally, about 76.5% of participants are primarily white Caucasians. This specific datapoint does not necessarily reflect Canada’s dementia wandering population, but what it does reflect is a few things: Access to care can be limited by the social determinants of health which include health literacy, gender, race and immigration status among other things. This means our research showcases essential demographic context for healthcare providers and policymakers in crafting targeted care and prevention strategies.
What becomes critically important for caregivers as well as search and rescue personnel is the data that reveals crucial information about the timing and locations of wandering incidents. Nearly 40% of those who wander tend to do so in the summer, with a decrease to 27.3% in the fall, suggesting that seasonal changes potentially impact wandering behaviors. Moreover, 46.2% commonly wander in the afternoons, and 30.7% in the evenings, pinpointing times when vigilance is particularly needed.
Understanding where wandering incidents occur is equally important. Most incidents start in private homes (66.4%) and residential living facilities (19.5%). Once wandering happens, 51.9% are found in outdoor public spaces, while 30.3% are located indoors. This contrast underscores the necessity for comprehensive search strategies in various environments.
The role of those who find wandering individuals is also critical. First responders locate 46.1% of wanderers, highlighting the vital role of emergency services. Interestingly, 44.2% receive help from a stranger or a Good Samaritan, showing the community's involvement in assisting those in distress.
Finally, the fact that 91.5% of individuals use walking as their primary mode of mobility underlines the need for secure pedestrian areas and heightened public awareness to aid those who may seem disoriented.
The insights gained from this data illuminate the crucial impact of the MedicAlert Safe & Found Program. These findings are not just a testament to the program's current effectiveness; they also pave the way for future advancements.
Over the next 1-2 years, with the generous backing of donors and funders, MedicAlert plans to expand its offerings. These enhancements aim to further aid both individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, particularly in managing the risks associated with wandering.
For those interested in supporting this essential initiative, contributions are welcomed. To make a difference, please click here or contact donations@medicalert.ca to contribute to this significant cause.
