Supporting a person who likes to wander and may be at risk for elopement

If you are a parent or caregiver to a person who has challenges with communication, social awareness, safety awareness or problem solving skills, you have likely faced the heart stopping moment of them wander off or eloping. There is not much more terrifying than not knowing where they are and if they are safe!

My intention with this blog entry is to share resources that support children and families who are at risk for elopement. Any person with a disability that increases their risk of elopement or wandering, not understanding or having an awareness of danger, can benefit.

PROJECT LIFESAVER

If you reside in the Louisville area, consider exploring Project Lifesaver as a resource of support for your child. Please contact Project Lifesaver to confirm their support in your area.

Details:
~Transmitters are $325 (includes transmitter, 1 year supply of bands & batteries, battery tested)

*financial assistance may be available through the Molly Johnson Foundation

~Contacts: Jefferson County- Carolyn Hoffer at (757) 546-5502 ext. 5 , Shelby County- Chris Spaulding at (502) 232-2611

~Place the order for the transmitter kit ($325)

~Pay over the phone for the transmitter and shipping ($333)

~The kit will be shipped to Jefferson County Search Dog Association (JCSDA)

~Once it is deliverd, call Bud Dixon at (502) 314-0061 to schedule a time to go to JCSDA

~You and your child will go to JCSDA located at 8004 Smyrna Parkway and a trained member of JCSDA will place the transmitter on your child and put all of the required information into the portal/database.

~You will be given a battery tester. You MUST place the battery tester over your child’s transmitter EVERY DAY to make sure it’s working. You will log that you tested on a form.

~The transmitter can not easily be removed. It stays on the child at all times. The band will be cut off, battery changed, and a new band put on.

~If your child is enrolled and wanders away, you immediately call Bud Dixon (502)314-0061 who will dispatch the trained team to the child’s last known location.

ANGEL SENSE

Angelsense.com

Angel Sense is an assistive techology that includes a proactive monitoring and alerting system, an app for caregivers, and a wearable device with an auto-pick up speakerphone and SOS button.

Please consult with your child’s provider with any questions you may have. If you do not have a provider who is experienced, please feel free to contact me @ kristiemhanke@gmail.com

Until next time,

Kristie Hanke

Speech-Language Pathologist/Parent Coach