PARIS – The Oxford County Sheriff’s Office is working with the Maine Alzheimer’s Association to help people with dementia who are at risk for wandering off and getting lost.

Safe Return is a nationwide system, designed and operated by the Alzheimer’s Association. It usually costs $45 per registration but is free until June 30, said Linda Hooker of the Sheriff’s Office.

The program provides an identity bracelet or necklace, clothing labels and wallet cards to identify the memory-impaired person. The person is registered in a national database and the caregiver is provided with the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24-hour toll-free number, which the caregiver may call when an individual is lost or found.

Families who register their loved one in Safe Return are told to call local law enforcement before calling Safe Return, which assists with identification, notification and family support.

Families tend to worry about “bothering” the police with a possible false alarm and they are quickly told by the Alzheimer’s Association staff that false alarms are welcomed.

More information and applications may be obtained by calling 1-800-660-2871.