Frequently
Asked Questions:
Q. Is there
any cost associated for my loved one being on the Vulnerable Persons Registry or the Autism Registry?
A. No. The service is free.
Q. Who can
enroll a vulnerable person onto the registries?
A. A close
family relative, friend, legal guardian, one with a power of attorney designation
or anyone who either lives with the wandering person or has intimate knowledge
of the wandering individual and his/her habits, medical condition(s), places
he/she has wandered off to in the past.
The better the details are when provided at registration the better
chance of finding the wandering individual in a shorter amount of time.
Q. Are both registries confidential?
A. Yes. Only the person, or
his/her designate, enrolling the wandering person onto the registry will be
contacted and liaised with during a time when the individual has actively
wandered off. The Windsor Police, who
require this information in the performance of their duties, will have access
to the information. During an emergency
situation, police may be required to share this information with other
emergency services such as the Fire Department or Ambulance.
Q. What can
I do after I have enrolled my loved one on the “Vulnerable Persons Registry”. or the "Autism Registry"
A. It is
strongly suggested that you contact the Alzheimer Society of Windsor-Essex
County at 519-974-2220 or Autism Services at 519-966-7283 to assist you in strategies that may help in reducing
future wandering incidents.
Q. Is there
any technology available that can be used to assist in the tracking and
locating of my loved one should he/she wander off?
A.
Yes. Please contact our local Alzheimer
Society of Windsor-Essex or Autism Services Inc. and they would be happy to discuss several options
with you.
Q. Will I need to quote the Report Number if I call the police?
A. No, during high stress situations, there is no expectation that you
remember the report number. However, you should indicate that the
individual is listed on the Vulnerable Persons Registry or Autism Registry. Windsor Police Service will be able to verify the report number using the vulnerable
person’s name or address.
Q. Will I be notified when the annual renewal is required?
A. The
annual renewals are the sole responsibility of the caregiver/power of attorney/decison maker/other authorized person. It is
recommended that you renew the registration during the month of the
registrant’s birthday.
Q. Is there
anything else I can do besides registering my loved one on the registry?
A. It would
be best to prepare for a wandering incident prior to an actual incident
occurring. By taking the preparatory
time beforehand it will enable a timely and less stressful exchange of
information when reporting a wandering individual. The
following are some examples of how to prepare for a wandering incident: have all relevant telephone numbers on hand,
the wandering individuals case number, who to call, what information you need
to relate such as clothing being worn, illness(es), etc.