Police to introduce Project Lifesaver

Longboat Key Sgt. Lee Smith knows the value of Project Lifesaver International, which helps locate people with cognitive and neurological disorders who wander away and become lost, from a personal experience.

In 2013, his mother-in-law, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, wandered away from his home.

Fortunately, Smith’s mother-in-law was found safe, but the incident was a wake-up call.

The next day, the family called Project Lifesafer, a nonprofit organization run by retired law enforcement officers that fits patients with a radio transmitter worn in a bracelet. That transmitter is activated if someone wanders away. 

Now, Smith is acting as the town’s liaison between residents who would like to enroll a loved one and Project Lifesaver representatives in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

“This isn’t just a tool,” Smith said. “It’s a little bit of piece of mind for caretakers to know that there’s one more level to be able to assist them in case a loved one wanders off.”

Donna Dunio, executive director of Aging in Paradise Resource Center, stressed the importance of such programs.

“There are many caregivers out here doing an incredible job,” she said. “It’s definitely a need. I hope people step up and take advantage of it.”

Cost is $275 initially and then $12 per month. Grants are available for those who need assistance. Contact Smith at [email protected].