Home > Fall 2009 Newsletter |
|
|
|
|
Farewell to Our Safe Return Operators
I n November of 1990 the Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter, established the
Helmsley Alzheimer’s Alert Program, which grew to become the Safe Return Program
and is now known as the MedicAlert® + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return® Program.
Initially, the program encompassed a regional network but is now a nationwide program to locate,
identify and return people with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders who wander
and become lost. Our goal was to provide 24-hour coverage. To achieve that we hired four
operators who answered phone calls from their homes. Two of these operators have been with
the program for close to 20 years – extremely dedicated and hardworking women who provided
support to families, as well as helpful responses to police and other emergency responders during
the frightening times when a person with dementia wanders.
Depending on the time of day you either heard the voice of Dolores Ryan or Joan Orrico,
our Safe Return Operators.
In early 2000, Dolores and Joan also provided backup to our 24-hour Helpline, responding
to callers who needed information about our resources, Chapter services, but most often they
would listen to callers who simply needed to talk. They were excellent listeners, empathic and
always professional.
From the very beginning, Chapter staff were impressed with their resourcefulness. During
their first six months, Dolores and Joan assisted in safely reuniting 60 people who wandered with
their families. We were impressed with their enthusiasm, ability to work hard and compassion
toward caregivers.
Today, with the support of our operators, we estimate that we have been able to reunite
with their families well over 3,000 people with Alzheimer’s that were reported missing. We also
assisted in enrolling over 12,000 people in the program. What an impressive outcome!
As of May 15th, we have successfully transitioned the overnight and weekend coverage for our
MedicAlert + Safe Return program to the MedicAlert office. We want to take this opportunity
to thank Dolores and Joan for their many years of hard work and dedication. Their contributions
to the Alzheimer’s Association are many and we will be always thankful for their wonderful work
as members of our New York City Chapter team.
NOTE: We are saddened to report that Joan Orrico, after a brief illness, died on July 16th,
2009. She will be missed. Our thoughts are with her family at this time of loss.
For more information about financial assistance, and assistance to all caregivers and professionals who
would like to enroll a person with dementia in the MedicAlert + Safe Return program, you may do so in one
of three ways: via telephone by calling 646-744-2918 or 2920, online or by calling and
requesting an application be mailed to you. Enrollment forms are available in English and Spanish.
— Elizabeth Bravo Santiago
Manager, MedicAlert +
Safe Return
|
|
Previous
