Page 39 - Discover Spring 2021
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of the volunteers. In 2002, several clients to turn the knob. Alarm units
Deputies, two R.S.V.P. (Retired Senior that easily attach to swinging and
Volunteer Patrol) members, and one sliding doors are available at Wal-Mart
Bedford Police Department officer or Lowe’s, as well as on-line.
attended a comprehensive, multi-
Each unit is slightly larger than a
day course conducted at the Bedford
wristwatch that is worn by the client.
Sheriff ’s Office. Project Lifesaver
They emit a distinctive radio signal,
International is a nation-wide endeavor
which can be tracked by special receiver
to assist in the care of clients who
equipment. Three R.S.V.P. members
exhibit a tendency to wander, such as
and several Deputies have been
Alzheimer’s or autistic individuals. It
trained in the
involves installing
search procedure.
a tracking device
Members Chuck
that is installed on
Neudorfer and
the wrist or ankle
Charlie Walker
of these people,
have served in
which is used by
this program since
the officers to
its beginning.
locate them if they
Typically, the
should become
R.S.V.P. personnel
lost.
now conduct over
Since then, over 180 clients have 275 visits each year to periodically
been enrolled in the program in replace the unit’s battery, having made
Bedford County. Clients range in over 4000 such visits since 2002.
age from 4 to 86 years. Each client
Six instances of calls to 911
and their caregivers are interviewed,
reporting a missing client in the
and guidelines are explained. After a
program have concluded with
questionnaire is completed, they are
successful location of the clients. While
evaluated for inclusion in the program.
that may not sound like a lot, this low
For further safety, the caregiver percentage of actual search missions
is advised on the use of additional may be attributed to the success of the
devices: Installing rubber/plastic door preventive measures that are taken by
knob covers makes it difficult for many the caregivers.
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