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A new system of traceable bracelets designed to quickly locate people with autism, dementia or Alzheimer's disease when they go away was presented Wednesday by Los Angeles County officials.
"L.A. Found" includes a system of electronic wristbands that can be located using receivers transported in Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department helicopters and designated ground units.
Wandering is a common problem associated with dementia, Alzheimer's disease and autism. According to the Alzheimer's Association, 60% of people with dementia will walk at some point, while a study by the Interactive Autism Network found that 49% of autistic children would adopt wandering behavior.
Although the vast majority of these people are cured, wandering cases can turn into tragedy.
"Our LASD mission is to be the eyes and ears in the sky and on the ground," said Sheriff Jim McDonnell. "This technology literally allows loved ones who are missing to tell us where we stand and do everything we can first. responders, to restore peace, comfort and families. "
The program is the result of community input and recommendations from the experts of the Bringing Our Loved Ones working group, initially proposed by a motion drafted by supervisor Janice Hahn and co-authored by supervisor Kathryn Barger.
In February 2018, the Supervisory Board unanimously approved a comprehensive set of strategies proposed by the BOLOH Working Group, including a county-wide pilot program to provide bracelets that could be followed at the local level. County residents.
"If you have taken care of someone with dementia or autism, you know the fear of what could happen if you only turn away for a minute," Hahn said. "L.A. Not only will this save lives, but it will finally give some peace of mind to the caregivers.If anyone you love disappears, L.A. County is ready to step in and help find them."
LA County has more than 177,000 residents with Alzheimer's disease, as well as a large population of people with autism and other developmental disabilities that make them susceptible to l & # 39; wandering.
To learn how to qualify for a bracelet, caregivers can visit www.LAFound.com.
Copyright City News Service
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