March 2004

Welcome website makes for many happy returns

A new on-line management system supported by Victoria police will help return frail older people to the safety of loved ones and carers.

Aged Care Minister Gavin Jennings said the Safe Return Home IDAssist computer program would provide police with identifying information about a missing person to broadcast to the community as part of their search efforts.

Mr Jennings was taking part in the launch of the innovative Safe Return Home IDAssist website program—developed by Melbourne-based Applied Aged Care Solutions—with Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon.

The on-line program allows carers and relatives to register details, including photographs, of persons at risk of going missing.

Victoria Police received free and unlimited access to the program, enabling them to quickly identify and return missing people who may not be able to articulate where they are from.

As well as Victoria Police, the Safe Return Home IDAssist is supported by the Department of Human Services, Dementia Victoria and the Alzheimers Association Victoria.

Alzheimer’s Australia Victoria Executive Director Lynette More said an ageing population meant the numbers of people with dementia would increase from 45,000 to 120,000 by 2050.

‘This service is a much needed part of our community services which enables people with dementia to be safer and supported,’ Ms Moore said.