POMEROY — A program geared to protect seniors who have a tendency to wander from home is in operation in Meigs County, a cooperative project between the Area Agency on Aging 8 and local law enforcement agencies.

Cathy Ash, AAA8 program manager and project lifesaver trainer, describes Project Lifesaver as a proven radio technology used to tract those who have wondered away and activate a specially trained search and rescue team.

Clients enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a personalized wristband that emits a tracking signal. When caregivers notify the local Project Lifesaver Law Enforcement agency that the person is missing, a search and rescue team responds to the wanderer’s area and searches with the mobile locator system. According to Ash in over 1,500 searches, there have been no reported serious injuries or deaths and recovery times average less than 30 minutes.

“Designed to track and rescue those with cognitive conditions who tend to wander, this service answers a critical need for protecting people at risk of wandering, including children and adults with Alzheimer’s, Autism, Down syndrome and Dementia,” said Ash.

“We are pleased to have partners that help us bring this service to this community as it provides invaluable protection to those with cognitive disorders, peace of mind to caregivers and a highly effective solution to public safety agencies responsible for rescuing those in need.” she added.

“Wandering is one of the most life threatening issues associated with Alzheimer’s, autism and other cognitive conditions. Working together with Project Lifesaver, search and rescue quickly and efficiently find those who have wandered off, helping to save the lives of people at risk in this community.”

For more information on the free program, residents are encouraged to contact The Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-331-2644. AAA8 which serves Meigs, Athens, Hocking, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry and Washington Counties.