Talk of the Town: Helping those who may lose their way

You read about it frequently, and the outcome isn’t always happy.

Radio talk show host John Tesh recently discussed the dangers surrounding those suffering with Alzheimer’s. Programs to help locate Alzheimer’s patients who wander away from their homes are now being launched.

Tesh noted some disturbing statistics from MSNBC: It’s estimated that 60 percent of Alzheimer’s patients wander away from their homes or care facilities at some point. Half of those who aren’t found within 24 hours end up severely injured or dead. Here’s another shocker: By the year 2050, there will be 16 million adults with Alzheimer’s in the U.S. alone. This means three million mothers, fathers, siblings, neighbors, grandparents, and friends could go missing.

According to MSNBC, it’s actually harder to find a missing senior citizen than a missing child.

Why? Because when a child’s all alone, it seems strange, so passers-by pay attention. However, adults with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or schizophrenia often look normal, and may simply be overlooked.

Edward Rochford, the sheriff of Morris County, N.J., says that even with 50 rescue workers searching, it can take more than eight hours to find a missing person. This is way too long for a senior citizen who may be frail, disoriented, or need medication.

That’s why two new programs are being tested to quickly locate seniors who wander off:

First, there’s the Silver Alert system. It’s similar to an Amber Alert and sends out media bulletins, and posts “keep an eye out for” notices on highway signs when a senior citizen is reported missing. The result: When Silver Alerts were issued in Texas and North Carolina, 90 percent of the missing seniors were found alive. Government officials in Washington, D.C. are working to establish a national Silver Alert communications network. That way, they can coordinate search efforts and provide grants to states who take part.

Another program designed to quickly find lost senior citizens is Project Lifesaver in New Jersey. Basically, it allows a caretaker to affix an electronic bracelet to a loved one and if the senior citizen wanders off, the bracelet can be activated like a personal LoJack (like they use in cars). One or two police officers can usually track them down in a matter of minutes. A transmitter bracelet costs about $285, plus $15 a month for batteries and maintenance.

Experiences Salon and Spa in Green Valley co-owners Kris Lurkins and her daughter Heather Lurkins sponsored a “thank you” party at the Lavender Restaurant recently for some of their loyal clients. The affair had music by vocalist Ashley Hutzel and a luscious buffet by Chef Frederic Lange, owner of the popular fine-dining restaurant.

Kris, a master stylist, and Heather, a nail tech, opened Experiences on Oct. 15, 2006.

The appreciation party, the second one of its kind, was to thank clients, Kris explains.

“We would not have the business we have if it wasn’t for them,” she adds. “If you don’t step out of the box and do things differently, you won’t stand out on a crowd.”

“From that day it has been a blessing for us because the business has really taken off,” Kris says.

Heather grew up in the salon business. After graduating from beauty school in Illinois, Heather was a nail instructor at night teaching techniques and working in the salon during the day. She was also one of the first people to open a spray tanning business in Illinois after going through training in Chicago.

Kris says she’s been in the beauty business for 36 years.

“I have a passion for what I do,” she says.

Kris is licensed in four states and is also an educator for John Amico, a professional beauty supply house, where she teaches product knowledge and advanced cutting and color techniques.

“I continually go to classes,” she adds. “That’s the only way to stay ahead of the game.”

Experiences Salon & Spa, 90 W. Calle de las Tiendas, is a full-service shop open Tuesday through Saturday.

“We have the only upstairs salon in Green Valley with beautiful mountain views,” Kris says.

Kayce Lindley-Dyer is the salon’s skin specialist and she was at the appreciation party, too. Her specialty service is her signature chocolate facial.

Flo Molgaard is also a stylist working two-days-week at Experiences. She has also taken hair styling classes in England.

“I have had many salons in the past,” Kris recalls. “The last one was 4,000-square-feet with 25 girls, but I decided that I wanted to put my energy into my clients instead of managing people. The purpose of Experiences is to offer the best hair, nail and skin care for our clients, allowing them to feel good about themselves from head to toe.

rford@gvnews.com | 547-9740