Project Care Track

Tendency to Wander
The tendency to wander is prevalent among people that are suffering from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. People with Down Syndrome, Autism, Prader-Willi, or traumatic brain injury also exhibit this tendency. Reasoning, judgment, the ability to communicate, and other behaviors are all affected by these conditions.

It is estimated that 59% of people with Alzheimer's disease will wander and become lost. Many victims will wander repeatedly. The dangers to the wanderer are numerous. If an elderly Alzheimer's patient is left outside for more than 24 hours, their chance of survival drops to 50% due to the risk of exposure.

A lost person with Alzheimer's or a related disease or injury represents a critical medical emergency.

Searching
The wanderer's inability or unwillingness to communicate has frustrated caregivers and searchers alike. Traditional search methods rely heavily on the ability of the lost person to respond to searchers when they call. When this ability doesn't exist or the person elects not to respond, search efforts are time consuming and can take a tragic turn.

Project Purpose

Project Care Track is designed to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable citizens in our community. Each Project Care Track client is provided a one-ounce electronic bracelet that emits a unique radio signal 24 hours a day. When a client wanders, a call to 911 by the caregiver triggers a rapid response by a trained team within Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue unit. Under the direction of the Sheriff's Office, a search is started to locate that client's unique radio signal as soon as possible.

Agencies using Project Care Track have reduced search time dramatically. Searches that lasted hours and utilized dozens of search and rescue personnel are now accomplished in under an hour by small specialized teams. Fatalities have been reduced by 90%. If you have a loved one or know of an acquaintance or care provider that could benefit from involvement in Project Care Track, please contact the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office.

Endorsement

The Alzheimer's Association of Western Washington endorses and supports Project Care Track. We recognize that this new technology will provide an important safety net for those affected by Alzheimer's disease or related dementias in our community. Project Care Track gratefully recognizes the following for their support:

• Hazel Arbuckle
• Larry Jubie family
• Snohomish County Sheriff's Office Volunteers
• Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue
• The Tulalip Tribes

Donations

The caregiver network donations are needed to supply bracelets and support for those that do not have the financial resources to participate but need to be protected. Call our information line, 425-388-3825, to find out how you or your organization can become involved in our one-on-one sponsorship program. Donations are tax deductible and can be sent to:
Project Care Track
5506 Old Machias Road
Snohomish, WA 98290