VSPID Program

Background

Persons with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and related disorders often have problems with memory, judgment and clear thinking. This may cause them to become easily confused even in familiar surroundings. We consider each of these people a "Very Special Person" or VSP.

Frequently, the VSP's may not be able to recognize their surroundings. Homes where they have lived for years, or even their loved ones may seem unfamiliar. Some of these VSPs are prone to "wandering" away from their secure home. It is not unusual for VSPs to walk many miles and, with private or public transportation, VSPs even go out of the state. This can cause major problems for the VSP as well as a traumatic and frightening time for their caregivers. Many times law enforcement agencies are called to assist, but the task of finding this VSP is difficult. Time is an important factor, especially during the hot summer or cold winter weather in South Carolina.

The SC VSPID Program is designed to make it easier for law enforcement agencies and families to find and return these wandering people. The medical-type identification bracelet will provide information to asssist in this recovery.

Eligibility

This program is available to any potential wanderer in the state of South Carolina. The one-time cost is $10.00 to register and receive a bracelet, however no one will be refused registration for lack of funds.

Any interested person may call or write:

VSPID PROGRAM
Alzheimer's Association
Mid-State SC Chapter
P.O. Box 7044
Columbia, South Carolina 29202-7044
Telephone: 1-803-772-3346 or 1-800-636-3346
E-mail: Andrea Harrelson

Please leave your name, address, and phone number. The agency will return an application package to you. Your package will contain, a release form that enables law enforcement personnel to receive information which must be signed by an authorized person, a form which requires a doctor's signature certifying that the applicant suffers from some type of dementia, and a form which requires information such as address, date of birth, identifying characteristics, former occupation or interests, pertinent medical data, primary and other caregiver's names.

Registration

Upon receipt of each completed application, the registering agency will mail the coded bracelet to you along with your caregiver's identification card and then forward the application to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Missing Persons Information Center for entry in their computer system. In order to ensure prompt computer entry of your information, the application must be printed clearly and filled out completely.

A medical-type identification bracelet will be issued, imprinted with an identification number and a telephone number to call for emergency reporting. These bracelets have been tested, and most confused people have not been able to remove them. If for some reason the person resists wearing the bracelet, the access number may be written on the insoles of shoes or on clothing.

The caregiver will be given a card with the Identification Number which has been assigned to their "Very Special Person".

Registration will only be done by the Mid-State Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. Please do not contact the S.C. Law Enforcement Missing Persons Information Center.

Sponsoring Agencies

Alzheimer's Association - Coastal Carolina Chapter
Alzheimer's Association - Mid-State SC Chapter
Alzheimer's Association - Upstate SC Chapter
Bureau of Senior and Long Term Care Services
South Carolina Department of Mental Health
South Carolina Law Enforcement
Missing Persons Information Center (SLED)