Wandering and Alzheimer’s:
the lives of Joyce and Rose

When someone you love wanders, seconds feel like hours. For millions living with Alzheimer’s—and the family members who care for them—this fear is all too real. Wandering is more than a symptom; it’s a safety crisis.

Meet Joyce and her mom, Rose, whose journey through Alzheimer’s took a terrifying turn one night—and how MedicAlert helped bring Rose home safely.

By 2060, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that 14 million Americans will be facing an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Six out of ten people living with dementia will wander at least once, with many doing so repeatedly. This common behavior can be dangerous and even life-threatening, adding significant stress to caregivers and loved ones.

More than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and women are twice as likely to develop the disease each year. Meet Rose and her daughter Joyce. Rose has been a MedicAlert member since 2018 and a recent scare underscored the power of her membership in an emergency.

Alzheimer's & Caregiving

Joyce is a single mother managing the double duty of raising three children and caring for her mother, Rose, who lives with Alzheimer’s. Initially, Rose showed only mild symptoms of the disease, but she soon encountered one of its most distressing symptoms: wandering.

Wandering became a significant source of anxiety for both Joyce and Rose. To keep her mother safe, Joyce turned to MedicAlert. Together, they selected a medical ID and enrolled in the Safe & Found™ plan. Enrolling her mom in MedicAlert eased Joyce’s worries – Alzheimer’s and caregiving can be terrifying.

Despite Joyce’s efforts, one night at around 2:00 a.m. Rose wandered from her home — walking three miles away on a cold, dark night. Fortunately, a concerned police officer noticed Rose. Disoriented and unable to recall her name or address, it was clear Rose needed help. Thankfully, she was wearing her MedicAlert bracelet and the officer was able to quickly contact the MedicAlert hotline.

Facts About Alzheimer's Care

Over 11 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer's or other dementias.

Unpaid caregivers provide an estimated 18 billion hours of care valued at $339.5 billion.

Only 4 in 10 Americans said they would talk to their doctor right away when experiencing early memory or cognitive loss.

Within minutes, our 24/7 emergency response team called Joyce, who couldn’t believe her ears. Scared and concerned that her mother was hurt, she was relieved when our emergency response team alleviated her fears and informed her that her mom was safe. We facilitated a call between Joyce and the officer, ensuring Rose’s safe return.

The ordeal was shocking. Joyce was stunned by how far from home her mother walked and the potential dangers she avoided. The incident underscored the invaluable service provided by MedicAlert and how it brought her mother back safely.

“I am profoundly grateful for MedicAlert’s support during that terrifying night.”

Joyce, Rose's daughter & MedicAlert member

The role of MedicAlert for people with Alzheimer’s

Joyce’s story highlights the indispensable role of MedicAlert in her life. “Navigating Alzheimer’s as a caregiver is exhausting, yet having resources like MedicAlert is essential,” she remarks. MedicAlert not only offers medical identification but acts as a lifeline for caregivers like Joyce, offering peace of mind and ensuring the safety of loved ones when it’s most needed.

For Joyce and Rose, their story is not just about the challenges of Alzheimer’s but also about the strength and support that come from resources like MedicAlert.

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