Helping Protect Ontario's Most Vulnerable Seniors

Health News For North York	Print


Thursday, April 11, 2013 Helping Protect Ontario's Most Vulnerable Seniors New Ontario Government Supports Launch of New Wandering Prevention Program March 20, 2013 10:30 am Seniors' Secretariat The new Ontario government is helping keep seniors and people with dementia safe by ensuring their families, caregivers and communities are prepared to act in case they go missing. With support from the province, the Alzheimer Society of Ontario is launching the new Finding Your Way Wandering Prevention Program. The first of its kind in Canada, the program will raise awareness of risks for people with dementia and enhance the community response in case they go missing. As part of the program, the Alzheimer Society of Ontario will distribute kits that include tips and resources to help families and caregivers put plans in place to prevent wandering incidents and act quickly in cases of missing seniors. The province is also providing support for the Ontario Police College to develop and deliver police training that incorporates wandering prevention into the police curriculum. The wandering prevention program is a part of Ontario's Action Plan for Seniors and supports the new Ontario government's efforts to ensure a safe and fair society for all. Quick Facts Kits will be offered in English and French, as well as in Cantonese, Mandarin and Punjabi. In 2014, materials will also be offered in Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. Kits will include an identification form with space for a recent photo and physical description that can be shared with police in an emergency, at-home safety steps to help prevent wandering incidents, and tips on what to do when a person with dementia goes missing and when reuniting after a wandering incident. Three out of five people with dementia go missing at some point, often without warning. Fifty per cent of seniors missing for 24 hours risk serious injury or death from exposure to the elements, hypothermia and drowning. 75 per cent of seniors who go missing are found within 2.4 kilometers from where they disappeared. Currently, 200,000 Ontarians have dementia, an increase of 16 per cent over the past four years. By 2020, close to 250,000 seniors in Ontario will be living with some form of dementia. Media Contacts Celeste Botterro Minister's Office 416-314-9710 Denelle Balfour Communications Branch 416-212-3928
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