Wandering is one of the most frightening risks families face when a loved one lives with autism, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, Down syndrome, a traumatic brain injury, or another cognitive condition. Project Lifesaver is built for exactly that situation — and the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office has proudly offered it since 2015.
The Sheriff’s Office recently pointed families back to the program after a tragedy in nearby Menands — a painful reminder of how quickly someone can wander from safety.
How it works
Participants wear a small, personalized transmitter — not much larger than a wristwatch — on the wrist or ankle. Unlike a GPS device, it emits a unique radio-frequency signal that trained deputies can track with specialized equipment if the person goes missing. Because every minute matters, the technology often reduces search times dramatically, turning what might take hours or days into minutes.
If a participant goes missing, members of the Sheriff’s search-and-rescue team respond with directional receivers tuned to that individual’s signal. The equipment is maintained over time — batteries and bands are replaced periodically — and caregivers can check that the transmitter is working between visits.
Project Lifesaver is an added layer of protection and peace of mind — a tool to assist a search, not a substitute for attentive caregiving. As the Sheriff’s Office puts it, no program can prevent every tragedy, but this one can make all the difference in locating someone quickly.
Who it’s for
The program is meant for people at risk of wandering due to autism, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Down syndrome, or another cognitive condition — and for the caregivers who look after them.
How to learn more or enroll
To see whether the program is right for your family, contact the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office:
- Sergeant McGuire — (518) 266-2970 · amcguire@renscony.gov
- Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office · 4000 Main Street, Troy, NY 12180 · (518) 266-1900
If an enrolled loved one goes missing, call 911 right away. The sooner responders know, the sooner the equipment can help bring them home.
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