Project Lifesaver Simcoe

Project Lifesaver Simcoe was launched on May 7, 2018 in Barrie through a volunteer organization operated by Kris Hughston of Hughston Insurance Solutions and Darren Buck from Cober Evolving Solutions/Georgian Bay Volunteer Search and Rescue.

The idea to bring Project Lifesaver to the area originated in the Barrie Advance/Simcoe.com newsroom, following the team’s ongoing coverage of missing senior Mandy Thompson in 2017. A 72-year-old living with dementia, Mandy had wandered away from her Barrie home. Her remains were discovered more than a year later in 2018.

It is now embedded with the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County, and more information can be found at Home - Project Lifesaver Simcoe.

It is offered in Barrie, Innisfil and Bradford communities, and now includes our partnership with the OPP and the Collingwood and the Blue Mountains OPP Detachment.

The Program

Project Lifesaver is an innovative program designed to protect individuals at risk of wandering, especially those with Dementia, Autism, or other conditions that may impair memory and cognitive function.

Why it matters ?

For families and caregivers, the fear of a loved one wandering off is a constant concern. Project Lifesaver’s reliable, fast-response system ensures that missing individuals are found quickly, reducing the risks associated with wandering.

Who Can Participate?

The program is available to vulnerable residents of Simcoe County of all ages. This includes individuals with conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, Autism Spectrum Disorder, acquired Brain Injuries, or Mental Health challenges.

How much does it cost?

The cost for the transmitter (tracking device), bracelet, and batteries is $500, with no additional fees at this time. Upon registration to the PLS program, ASSC will mail a yearly supply of all necessary items (bracelet, batteries, O-ring, and instruction booklet). This will be provided annually for as long as you registered with PLS.

What is it?

A tracking system designed for individuals at risk of wandering. Participants wear a watch-sized bracelet on their none dominant hand that emits a unique FM radio frequency signal every second. If a person goes missing, police use a satellite receiver to tune into the specific frequency of the bracelet. Unlike GPS, this FM-based system works in areas where GPS may be unreliable, such as inside deep forests or tunnels, ensuring continuous tracking even in challenging environments.

How does it work?

Vulnerable residents, with the assistance of their caregivers, voluntarily enroll in the program. PLS volunteers will meet the participant to complete the registration process. Once enrolled, all participants are added to the PLS Simcoe database.

Where is it offered in Simcoe County?

Project Lifesaver is looking to expand throughout Simcoe County. Currently, it is available through the Barrie Police, South Simcoe Police, and the Collingwood and Blue Mountains O.P.P.

What role so caregivers play?

Caregivers are responsible for daily battery checks, maintaining personal information, and quickly sharing essential details with the police if a loved one goes missing.

How often do batteries need to be changed?

Batteries and bracelets are changed every 60 days by client’s caregiver.

What role does the Alzheimer Society play?

ASSC handles the administrative registration process, including setting up the initial bracelet and assisting with questions or updates related to client profiles. However, if an individual enrolled in the PLS program goes missing, do not contact ASSC. Instead, immediately report the situation to police services.

What role do the police play?

Police receive specialized training in using necessary equipment for the program, as well as in understanding cognitive conditions and behaviors. In the event an individual goes missing, a trained police team will be dispatched to locate and assist the individual.

n addition to Project Lifesaver, there are other programs and services designed to help families and caregivers ensure safety of individuals at risk of wandering.

Finding your Way®

A program dedicated to helping individuals recognize the risk of wandering. The program offers tools and strategies to prepare for potential incidents, helping ensure that people with dementia can live safely in the community.

MedicAlert

A nationwide service designed to help locate “at risk” individuals who have gone missing. By wearing a MedicAlert bracelet people can be quickly identified and safely returned to their families.

Vulnerable Person Registry

In Simcoe County, local police maintain the Vulnerable Person registry, which allows officers to quickly access information about a person if they go missing. This registry is a valuable resource for families concerned about the safety of their loved ones with dementia or other cognitive impairments.