Project Lifesaver, a nationally recognized program, is a joint effort between the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office and the Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services.

Project Lifesaver is a unique bracelet identification-tracking program for individuals prone to wandering and who have dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease or developmental disorders such as Autism or Down Syndrome. The program does not serve as a “sitter,” but rather provides extra support to the caregiver and family to keep the loved one in the community.

Project Lifesaver uses a one ounce battery-operated radio transmitter that emits an automatic tracking signal every second, 24 hours a day; each bracelet has a unique radio frequency. The Sheriff’s K-9 Search and Rescue Unit are equipped with special tracking equipment that can receive each radio frequency up to about one mile. As soon as the person is missing, the caregiver immediately calls 911 and the task force is deployed to the point where the individual was last seen.

Specialized staff from the Office on Aging and Disability Services conduct in-home assessments to determine appropriateness for program participation.

 Criteria used to determine eligibility for older adults are:

• 60 years of age and older
• Actively wandering
• Diagnosis of TBI or dementia from a physician
• Accompanied by a caregiver 24/7

Criteria used to determine eligibility for children are:

• Between the ages of 6 and 21*
• Actively wandering
• Evaluation by a physician
• Accompanied by a caregiver 24/7

Where can I get more information? If you would like to speak to an Office on Aging & Disability Services Specialist, call 908-704-6346 or toll-free at 888-747-1122.

*Division of Developmental Disabilities: At age 21, an individual is classified as an adult and will need to transition to the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). Division services will not start until age 21; individuals can be evaluated as early as age 18. It is recommended that caregivers learn the New Jersey Comprehensive Assessment Tool (NJ CAT) before completing the application. The Division of Developmental Disabilities uses the NJ CAT tool to determine the individual budget to fund supports and promote fairness in the funding process. Families will choose a Support Coordinator after completing the NJ CAT and determine eligibility of the program. The Support Coordinator will connect the individual to available services and supports.

New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities: 908-226-7800 or 800-832-9173