People living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, autism, Down syndrome, brain injury, and other cognitive or developmental conditions can wander away from home or a caregiver. Many cannot ask for help or find their way back. This page connects families and caregivers with trusted state and national resources for prevention, planning, and support.
Maryland & St. Mary's County Resources
| Resource | What it offers | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| St. Mary's County Department of Aging & Human Services | Local caregiver support, in-home services, and the Maryland Access Point (MAP) office, a free information and referral service for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers | 301-475-4200 |
| Maryland Access Point / 211 Maryland | Statewide directory of aging, disability, caregiver, and respite resources | Dial 211 |
| Maryland Department of Aging | State programs and information on dementia and family caregiving | Online |
| Maryland commission on Caregiving: Caregiver Resources | Training and resources for caregivers, including those supporting people with developmental and intellectual disabilities | Online |
National Resources
Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
| Resource | What It Offers | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline | Free support and information around the clock, in more than 140 languages, plus wandering prevention guidance. | 1-800-272-3900 |
| MedicAlert with 24/7 Wandering Support | Membership ID bracelet or necklace and a nationwide emergency response team that helps reunite a person who wanders with family. | 1-800-432-5378 |
| National Institute on Aging: Wandering and Alzheimer's Disease | Federal guidance on preventing wandering and preparing for an emergency. | Online |
| Eldercare Locator | Federal service that connects older adults and caregivers with local agencies anywhere in the U.S. | 1-800-677-1116 |
Autism and Developmental Disabilities
| Resource | What It Offers | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| National Autism Association: Big Red Safety Box | Free wandering prevention toolkit for families, including a Family Wandering Emergency Plan. | 1-877-622-2884 |
| Autism Speaks: Wandering Prevention | Safety plans, prevention checklists, and tips from families. | Online |
| Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: When Your Special Needs Child Wanders | Practical guidance for families of children with Down syndrome, autism, and other special needs. | Online |
Location Technology
Today's location devices let families see where a loved one is in real time and share that location with responders. Common types include:
GPS Wearables
Clip-on devices, watches, or pendants that report location through a cellular connection. Many send an alert when the wearer leaves a set safe area.
GPS shoe insoles
A tracker hidden in the shoe, useful for someone who removes visible devices.
Medical alert devices with GPS
A pendant or watch that combines location tracking with a 24/7 emergency response button.
Bluetooth tags
Low-cost tags that depend on nearby phones to report location. They work poorly in rural areas and should not be your only tool.
When choosing a device, consider:
Removal Resistance
Can your loved one take it off? Some devices lock or attach securely to clothing.
Cellular GPS, not Bluetooth alone
Cellular devices report location anywhere there is phone coverage.
Battery life and charging
A device that dies overnight offers no protection. Make charging part of the daily routine.
Alerts
Look for safe-zone alerts that notify you as soon as your loved one leaves home.
Comfort and Appearance
A device your loved one is willing to wear is better than one they refuse.
Cost
Most GPS devices require a monthly service plan in addition to the purchase price.
For help choosing, contact the Alzheimer's Association at 1-800-272-3900 or review the National Autism Association's safety resources . The Sheriff's Office does not recommend or endorse any specific product.
Steps You Can Take Today
Keep a current photo and written description of your loved one ready to hand to responders.
Have them wear an ID bracelet or necklace with their name, condition, and a caregiver phone number.
Write a family emergency plan that lists places they might go, starting with nearby water and busy roads.
Write a family emergency plan that lists places they might go, starting with nearby water and busy roads.
Let trusted neighbors know your loved one may wander, and ask them to call you or 911 if they see them alone.
Add door and window alarms or locks, and keep car keys out of sight.
Ask your doctor or a resource above about GPS and other location devices that may fit your situation.
Disclaimer
The St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office provides these links as a public service. Listing an organization or product is not an endorsement. Contact information may change; please check with each organization directly. In an emergency, always call 911.