WHAT IS PROJECT LIFESAVER?  The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Botetourt County in any way it can. Seniors are the fastest growing segment of our population nationwide. Unfortunately, as we grow older, our risks of developing Alzheimer’s disease increase.

Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver’s mission is to use state of the art technology in assisting those who care for victims of Alzheimer’s Disease and related mental dysfunction disorders and memory impairment. These victims include the elderly and even the youngest in our community who have Down’s Syndrome or Autism. There are no boundaries and no one is immune.

Memory impairment from Alzheimer’s Disease and related mental dysfunction disorders can often cause the victim to be disoriented and wander. While participation in the Project Lifesaver program will not eliminate the wandering, it can be a lifesaving tool in locating the participant who wanders.

A personal transmitter is placed on the participant and worn like a wristwatch. If the person wanders and cannot be located, an officer is dispatched with a radio receiver. The officer programs the transmitter frequency of the participant and can then track the signal.

NOTHING IS A SUBSTITUTE FOR PERSONAL CARE!  While having a loved one enrolled in Project Lifesaver can provide some peace of mind, it does not take the place of personal care given by the caregiver.

The caregiver’s role is a very important part of the program. The caregiver is responsible for checking the transmitter twice a day to make sure transmitter is still in place and that the battery is still working.

It is also important that the caregiver call as soon as he/she realizes that their loved one is missing. As in any missing person situation, time is important!

WHAT ABOUT SAFE RETURN AND THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION?  SAFE RETURN is a program offered through the Alzheimer’s Association. The participant receives a bracelet and tags for clothing that lists the participant’s first name, SAFE RETURN’s phone number and an identifying number unique to the individual.

Project Lifesaver does not take the place of SAFE RETURN, and it is recommended that families consider both programs.

Many wandering memory impaired individuals are located through these identifying items before they are discovered missing. There is a nominal fee for this program, but scholarships are available through the Alzheimer’s Association. SAFE RETURN should be considered even if you do not participate in Project Lifesaver.

HOW DO I ENROLL MY LOVED ONE?  Due to a limited number of transmitters available at this time, to be enrolled in the program, the participant must meet certain criteria. Unfortunately, not everyone who has some type of memory impairment will be eligible. Those who have wandered before will have priority, but that is not a necessary prerequisite. Participants will be enrolled on a case by case basis factoring in need and transmitter availability. 

WHAT IS THE COST OF PROJECT LIFESAVER?  Fortunately, at this time, there is no fee to participate in the program. The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office Project Lifesaver reserves the right to charge monthly service fees if necessary for band and battery replacement. That cost would not exceed $10.00; however, in most cases those fees are waived. The caregiver is responsible for the replacement cost of the transmitter should it be damaged or lost.