Kelly, Alzheimer’s search and
rescue expert, to stage seminars
July 29, 2015
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
A nationally recognized expert in search and rescue of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia is again appearing in Santa Paula for a special series of free seminars for first responders only as well as a second session for the general public.
Kimberly Kelly will present “Search and Rescue Consideration for Alzheimer’s and other Dementia” on Saturday, August 15 at the Santa Paula Community Center.
The first session — 9 a.m. to noon — is solely for first responders such as police, fire, paramedics, CERT, Citizens Patrol, search and rescue personnel and other emergency response professionals and volunteers; the second session from 1:15 to 3 p.m. is for the general public such as caregivers and family members or those just wanting to know more about the subject.
Due to the sensitive nature of the program those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are not allowed to attend and must be left with an alternative caregiver.
Samantha Frady of Santa Paula Citizen Corps — which is sponsoring with the support of the City of Santa Paula — said Kelly is “an awesome speaker,” and award winning authority in not only searching and rescuing those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other dementia but also offers important tips on how to keep them safe, secure and comfortable in their own homes.
Frady, also a Red Cross volunteer, has coordinated Kelly’s two previous appearances in Santa Paula. She noted Kelly will explain to the public in the afternoon session the role of search and rescue ”when a loved one wanders away...and much more.”
Kelly, founder and executive director of Project Far From Home, is an international speaker. She served as a San Diego County Sheriff’s Reserve Lt. from 1994 to 2007.
The recipient of a Distinguished Service Medal as well as Presidential awards for her work in Alzheimer’s, Kelly is commander of 1SRG: 1st Special Response Group, a non-governmental, international search and rescue team, recognized for its dedication to humanitarian service to lost or missing travelers. She also serves as operational K9 handler for K9 Search and Rescue Team, an entirely all-volunteer team.
A leading authority in Alzheimer’s wandering and missing, Kelly said Frady “has developed many educational programs - for emergency personnel and caregivers alike - on the problems of dealing with the disease and the risk for people experiencing Alzheimer’s or dementia.”
And many families throughout Ventura County, including Santa Paula, “deal daily with a loved one who has either dementia or Alzheimer’s. It is one of the hardest diseases any family ever has to face,” and one that can be even more tragic and stressful for caregivers when the sufferer wanders away.
It is crucial to find such “wanderers” as soon as possible, a sad reality stressed by Kelly in her presentation.
The mission of Santa Paula Citizens Council is to “harness the power of every individual through education, training and volunteer service to make communities stronger and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, public health issues, crime and disaster of all kinds.”
Kelly, founder and director of Far From Home, has long been a recognized expert on Alzheimer’s and dementia: she has a DVD on “Missing and Wandering” as well as other facets of dealing with the impaired. She also is a highly regarded trainer of search and rescue dogs.
“Kim has a wonderful ability to explain in a simple and understandable way the effects Alzheimer’s has on a person’s brain and behavior,” and noted Frady, “She also explains what current drug therapies are being used to treat patients.”
For more information please call Frady, 805-525-7646 or email Santa Paula Citizens Corps Council Chairman Steve Lazenby at stevenjlazenby@gmail.com Although all the seminars are free those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to Frady (805-525-7646) or email samanthafrady@ yahoo.com.
For more information on Kelly’s organization visit the website, www.projectfarfromhome.org
