Posted on December 20, 2023
Caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive issues can be difficult, and frightening if contact is lost with them, even temporarily. For many older individuals with cognitive issues or disorientation, wandering is a very dangerous and potentially life-threatening concern.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, wandering can happen at any time of the day or night and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia have a 6 in 10 chance of wandering.
Fortunately, Connecticut’s local and state law enforcement agencies have made it a priority to reduce these instances and have initiated the Bring Me Back Home Program, a voluntary registry for vital information to help law enforcement respond quickly to missing person reports.
This voluntary registry is for “all members of the community whose cognitive challenges may lead to confusion and disorientation, and who are at risk of wandering or getting lost.”
If you or someone you know is caring for an individual who may wander, I hope you’ll consider this important program. Please share this information with anyone who you feel it may benefit.
From the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection:
Bring Me Back Home Program
Bring Me Back Home (BMBH) is a registry for Connecticut residents which allows law enforcement access to information to assist in the recovery of missing or wandering persons.
The provided information and photo, accessible through the COLLECT criminal justice and safety system, helps first responders and families reunite with individuals living with cognitive challenges, such as Dementia or Autism. This information is confidential and secure and can only be accessed by law enforcement personnel in an emergency.
How does Bring Me Back Home work?
A family member or guardian registers their person with cognitive challenges through the link, or in person, at your nearest police department. This information is now part of the statewide Bring Me Back Home registry. Law enforcement officers will have access to the confidential and secure information and respond appropriately. When the person wanders or is missing, individuals should call 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY, and indicate that they are registered with the Bring Me Back Home program.
How do we register?
You can sign your loved one up for BMBH by clicking the registration link below.
Register or Login to Bring Me Back Home