Morris County Sheriff's Office Project Lifesaver Positioned To Assist Caregivers of People With Alzheimer's Disease, Autism, Cognitive Disorders

Published on June 19, 2019

The month of June is designated Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, in recognition of the fragility of the body's most complex organ that weighs an average of 3 pounds in an adult and three-quarters of a pound in a newborn.

Morris County Sheriff's Office Investigator Ashley Craig and Sheriff's Officer Kayla Santos are part of the Office's Community Outreach and Planning Unit that oversees Project Lifesaver. Morris County Sheriff's Office Investigator Ashley Craig and Sheriff's Officer Kayla Santos are part of the Office's Community Outreach and Planning Unit that oversees Project Lifesaver.

Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon wants to remind residents that the Sheriff's Office Project Lifesaver program is there to provide support and assistance, free of charge, to county residents who are primary caregivers for a person diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or other dementia disorder, as well as Down Syndrome, Autism, a traumatic brain injury or cognitive impairment.

Project Lifesaver involves a proactive response by law enforcement if and when a participant wanders away from home, from an outing or while on vacation, and becomes confused or lost. Participants wear a special wrist or ankle bracelet equipped with a transmitter that emits a signal that law enforcement can track when a person goes missing.

This terrific program can bring peace of mind to caretakers who know law enforcement is prepared to respond to find their loved ones as soon as possible in the event they roam from home or during an outing, Sheriff Gannon said.

There currently are 38 adults and 86 juveniles enrolled in the Morris County Sheriff's Office Project Lifesaver program. Please follow the link to learn more about the program:

https://sheriff.morriscountynj.gov/community/project_lifesaver/

The Alzheimer's Association notes that there are 5.8 million Americans currently living with the disease that destroys nerve cells in the brain. The majority are people who are 65 years of age or older while about 200,000 Americans with Alzheimer's Disease are under the age of 65 and have younger-onset Alzheimer's. Worldwide, the number of people with the degenerative disorder that kills nerve cells and tissue in the brain is expected to grow to 76 million by 2030.

Morris County Sheriff's Officer Travis Somerville holds a tracker used to find participants of Project Lifesaver. Morris County Sheriff's Officer Travis Somerville holds a tracker used to find participants of Project Lifesaver.

Experts recommend several ways to maintain a healthy brain that is engaged and capable of learning:

  • Stimulate your mind with brain-flexing activities like math equations, puzzles, drawing or painting;
  • Exercise regularly to increase blood flow to the brain;
  • Maintain a healthy diet to nourish the brain cells;
  • Strive to reduce anxiety and stress;
  • Socialize by staying in touch with relatives and friends.
  • Don't smoke and be moderate with alcohol use.

The United Way of Northern New Jersey also offers a toolbox of tips for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's Disease. The United Way Caregivers Coalition in Morris County also is hosting a meeting for anyone who is interested on Wednesday, July 10, from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Non-Profit Mall, 1 Executive Drive, Morris Plains, NJ.

For further information about The United Way resources for caregivers, click on: http://www.unitedwaynnj.org/ourwork/heal_caregiversresources_toolbox_suppgroups_sussex.php

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