My grandmother suffered from dementia in the latter part of her life. It was rare for her to recall my mother during phone calls and would often find herself disoriented and confused about her surroundings. Thankfully she was under constant supervision and care, which prevented her from wandering off into a potentially dangerous situation because of her condition. Unfortunately that is not the case for many who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's Disease.

Boise PD posted to their Instagram earlier today that officers have recently helped several lost community members with Alzheimer's or dementia get back home safely. They warned that doing so can be difficult when the person can't remember crucial details like where they live or who should be contacted. To aid in remedying these situations, BPD is encouraging you to register loved ones to the Vulnerable Population Registry. This helps officers find that information quickly as well as guides them in how to approach your loved one.

Per the Ada County Sheriff's Office website: "The Ada County Registry of Vulnerable Population is a program administered by the Ada County Sheriff’s Office. This program allows people to register family members who are part of a vulnerable population — including people who suffer from dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, or have an autism diagnosis — with our Ada County Emergency 911 Dispatch system.

The registry will provide vital information for first responders to address the specific needs of the people on the registry if there is a call for service. The information should also help first responders find people on the registry who are lost and return them home in a timely manner."

Here is a link to the registration itself, and if you have any further questions you can email arvp@adacounty.id.gov

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