Boomers and Beyond June 2025

Project Lifesaver Launches in Elgin County to Help Locate Vulnerable Individuals A new program aimed at protecting some of the com- munity’s most vulnerable residents has officially launched in Elgin County. Project Lifesaver is a joint initiative between Victim Services Elgin, the Elgin OPP, St. Thomas Police Service, and Aylmer Police Service. It uses radio frequency technology and a coordinated police response to help locate individuals who may be prone to wandering due to cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, or autism. The initiative gives peace of mind to families and caregivers. Participants wear a small battery-operated bracelet on their wrist or ankle, which emits a unique FM signal every second of the day. If a participant goes missing, caregivers notify police, who then activate a trained response team using specialized tracking equipment to locate the person quickly, often within 30 minutes.

The bracelets cost approximately $475, which includes the device and one year’s worth of batteries. Batteries must be replaced every two months. “We do the battery change bi-monthly, either by visiting the client or having them come to us,” says Natalie. According to Natalie, Project Lifesaver originated in the United States and has been adopted by several Ontario communities. The idea to bring it to Elgin County began with a conversation initiated by the OPP. “They reached out about a year and a half ago,” she says. “We connected with Aylmer Police and St. Thomas Police, and everyone was on board.” Fundraising efforts led by Inclusive Communities helped cover the cost of transmitters and tracking equipment. “William Barber did a fantastic job reaching out to service clubs so we could get this off the ground,” Natalie notes. While GPS options exist, Natalie says the FM-based technology in Project Lifesaver offers key advantages: “It’s more reliable in areas where GPS signals might drop. And because it’s worn securely on the wrist or ankle, it’s more likely to be on the person when it’s needed most.” To learn more or to begin an application, caregivers can email projectlifesaver@victimserviceselgin.com, or call Victim Services Elgin at 519-631-3182. “This is a program we’re really proud to be part of,” says Natalie. “It’s about helping families and bringing people home safely.”

“This program utilizes radio technology and a coordinated police response to quickly locate individuals who may be prone to wandering,” explains Natalie Redman, Executive Director of Victim Services Elgin. “The bracelet isn’t easily removed, which increases the likelihood that if they go missing, the person will be found still wearing it.”

Doris And Ivy In The Home

June 18 to July 12

A little love, some sordid gossip, and lotsa whoopee in the compost heap! Written by Norm Foster

PortStanley FestivalTheatre Summer Season 2025

LIFE MIGHT ACTUALLY BEGIN AT 65!