By Kathy Kennedy
State Rep., R-119
Kathy Kennedy
I want to wish you all a happy and healthy New Year. Before we get caught up in preparing for the 2024 legislative session, which begins on Feb. 7, I want to take this opportunity to share a newly developed program that hits home for me and for many of us.
The Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter in December partnered with the Connecticut State Police to create the “Bring Me Back Home” registry. The goal: locate and return any missing or wandering residents who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease predominantly affects seniors. As a person who currently cares for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, I can attest that this condition requires intense care especially with an increased potential for those with dementia to wander. Wandering can be extremely dangerous, and often life-threatening.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, six in 10 people living with dementia will wander. The reality is that Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia often cause people to lose their cognitive recognition ability, meaning they struggle to identify familiar faces or places. Sadly, most records show that those not found within 24 hours are more likely to suffer serious injury, or even death.
Thankfully, through the BMBH registry, law enforcement will now have shared access to information to assist in the relocation of missing Connecticut residents with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive challenges. In collaboration with the COLLECT criminal justice and safety program, the registry will confidentially compile resident identities, including hobbies, workplaces and former addresses to allow police to respond to missing person calls swiftly and effectively.
It is imperative that we support the seniors in our community who are affected with cognitive challenges. Through this program we can continue to do just that. I want to personally thank all our health care workers, law enforcement officers and dedicated family members who work hard to maintain a good quality of life for those living with these conditions.
Both the State Police and the Alzheimer’s Association recommend that families register loved ones who are affected by these conditions, even if they feel wandering may not occur. To register your loved one today, visit ct.gov/BMBH.
Our seniors represent the backbone of our communities, and it is our responsibility to care for those who once cared for us. My office is always open for questions concerning this or any other programs that support our Connecticut seniors. Please never hesitate to contact me at Kathy.Kennedy@housegop.ct.gov or call me at 860-240-8700.