The OPP can help find and relocate your loved ones who are wanderers.

 

We often hear stories of elderly neighbours in our community who are prone to wandering.

Well, so have police.

The OPP say they have partnered with MedicAlert Foundation Canada to better keep track and assist officers in interactions with vulnerable persons.

The Connect Protect Program provides OPP officers 24-hour access to a subscriber’s photo, identifying information, past wandering history, triggers, de-escalation techniques and other medical information.

This way if a loved one is reported wandering, officers can access their history and learn more about the person to bring them home safely to their families.

“This service is ideal for vulnerable persons who may wander, such as those with Alzheimer’s or autism, as well as for those living with conditions that predispose them to certain behavioural characteristics …,” the OPP said in a release.

The force stressed that the characteristics can be “misinterpreted by the law as defiance or aggression or intoxication, brain injury or mental health concerns.”

The program also helps those with a medical condition which ”requires immediate and focused attention in an emergency.”

The OPP said those who live in their jurisdiction, or where the MedicAlert Connect Protect service is available, can benefit from the service, along with their family and loved ones. You can register your loved one by visiting http://opp.ca/medicalert.

Radio frequency technology, and traceable bracelets, which uses a transmitter are also used by police to help locate dementia and other patients.

You can also reach the OPP by calling a general inquiry line at 705 329-6111.