Response to recent tragic event in Culpeper County

January 21, 2025
 
Contact: Ellen Phipps, Executive Director                                          FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ephipps@agingtogether.org
540-829-6405
PO Box 367
Culpeper, VA  22701
 
Response to recent tragic event in Culpeper County

Aging Together offers our sincerest condolences to the family of Mr. Thomas who lived with dementia and who lost his life on January 20 in Culpeper County. Though Aging Together is not informed of the details of this heartbreaking event, we understand the tragic nature of losing someone who becomes disoriented and lost in response to wandering.

6 in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once; many do so repeatedly (Alzheimer’s Association). The Alzheimer's Association lists ways to understand who is at risk of wandering and how to reduce this risk, prepare your home, plan ahead, and take action when someone you love might be missing. https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/wandering

There are also numerous medical ID bracelets, including those that cannot be removed without 2 people, that identify a person’s illness if they become lost and need help getting home. MedicAlert is partnering with the Alzheimer's Association with an engraved bracelet that does not reveal a person’s identity but offers support through an 800 phone number. https://www.medicalert.org/medical-conditions/alzheimers/?srsltid=AfmBOoqnCwyWdWVXDhiY_DDdnrJN1VYy0Hes7JwGKn-ryu_ZaLqvbBgN

We are grateful to our amazing first-responders in Culpeper County as well as other area organizations and the many volunteers that worked hard and had proper training, enabling them to find Mr.Thomas. The outcome was sadly not what anyone hoped for, especially the family. If we continue to work together and share information, hopefully we can reduce the number of tragedies.

For more information about dementia, contact Aging Together at info@agingtogether.org /      540-829-6405 or the Alzheimer's Association: www.alz.org