Kelly: Alzheimer’s-dementia program
draws searchers and caregivers

August 19, 2015
Santa Paula News

For some it’s their job while others had personal stories to tell or said they were just curious, but what they all had in common was they attended seminars Saturday featuring a nationally recognized expert in search and rescue of those suffering from Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia (AD). 

Two seminars were held Saturday at the Community Center where first responders as well as those living with sufferers had separate sessions led by noted expert Kimberly Kelly, who offered her own experiences and expertise.

Organized by Samantha Frady of sponsoring agency Santa Paula Citizens Corps with City of Santa Paula support, Mayor John Procter, Vice Mayor Martin Hernandez and City Councilwoman Jenny Crosswhite attended the sessions. 

Procter presented Kelly, founder-executive director of Project Far From Home, with a proclamation noting her leadership in the movement to not only locate those with AD who wander off but also to raise awareness about the conditions. 

It was Kelly’s third appearance in Santa Paula since 2010.

The morning session was solely for first responders such as police, fire, paramedics, CERT, Citizens Patrol, search and rescue personnel and other emergency professionals and volunteers. Those attending the course—including Police Chief Steve McLean and two Santa Paula Fire engine companies—qualified for Continuing Education credits. 

The afternoon session was for the general public, caregivers and family members or those just wanting to know more about the subject.

Fr. Michael Fincher, priest/pastor of St. Paul’s Episcopal and Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Santa Paula, said he attended for the opportunity to learn more so he can help members of his congregation, “As they walk this path…” 

Millions of Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s, which was first diagnosed in about 1906 but was not widely recognized until the 1990s when it was announced that former President Reagan was suffering from the progressive disease. 

Kelly said sufferers live about 8 to 12 years after they are diagnosed, but the early onset form of the disease can be aggressive and more often lead to suicide.

Kelly, a San Diego County Sheriff’s Reserve Lt. from 1994 to 2007, said her own interest in the subject was solidified when she got a search and rescue dog.

During her initial research of search dogs she read of a canine that had been on 70 rescue missions, half for Alzheimer’s patients.

Kelly’s superiors said full search and rescue under such circumstances was rare but she set out to change that thinking.

She learned that as the afflicted sufferer loses more and more memory, they would often go in search of a particular item, person, or place, an urge that can be triggered at any time for any reason. Those that wander simply do not get lost but can disappear forever as the window for locating them is a narrow one.

She told of a man known as Prince Edward who wandered off; the family notified the authorities but requested no media coverage as other family members did not know of his condition. 

It was six weeks before the media was notified that Prince Edward was missing, far too late.

Kelly said if photos had been released at once it is highly likely Prince Edward would have been found: “How many people did he cross paths with?” that could have helped if they recognized him.

She urged family members and caregivers to be ready to act immediately in case a loved one goes missing but also offered hints on safeguarding the home as well as how to lessen emotional trauma for those suffering from AD.

Frady later said although the attendance could have been higher, “The families that needed to be there, were there,” gaining information and insight into dealing with those with AD as well as how to keep them safe, secure and comfortable in their own homes.

And to prepare for what could be the worst: “Kimberly really emphasized what families must do to be prepared if their loved one goes missing” by making sure emergency responders especially have recent photos and other details of the sufferer before they wander off.

Kelly, said Frady, stressed that time is of the essence, as “If they’re not found in the first 11 hours it’s probably not going to be a happy ending…”

Overall, Frady said Kelly, a nationally recognized expert, “Did an excellent job; I feel Santa Paula is very blessed that she comes to share her knowledge, wisdom and expertise,” about the issue as well as the value of search and rescue





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