Copyright Santa Clarita Valley Signal
By Alicia Doyle Sunday Signal Writer Los Angeles County leaders recently launched the newest technology available to residents through L.A. Found, a county program that helps find people with Alzheimer’s, autism, dementia or other cognitive conditions who may wander and go missing. The new Theora Care GPS smartwatch provides real-time location tracking, geofencing alerts and a caregiver-connected SOS button — expanding options for families of loved ones at risk of wandering. L.A. Found is “a lifeline” for older adults in Santa Clarita, because people with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other cognitive impairments that cause them to wander live in every part of L.A. County — including the Santa Clarita community, said Maral Karaccusian, who helped launch L.A. Found in 2018 and now oversees its continued expansion as the newly appointed interim director of the county’s Aging & Disabilities Department. Karaccusian, who played a key role in transforming the county’s Bringing Our Loved Ones Home Initiative into what is now L.A. Found, credited a broad coalition of departments and nonprofits that continue to power the program, from Public Health and Mental Health to Alzheimer’s Los Angeles and Autism Interaction Solutions. “The program provides free live saving bracelets and proven technology that help first responders quickly find those who wear them, when they go missing,” she said, adding that for many families, wandering is not a question of if, but when. “Caring for a loved one with a cognitive condition is already challenging — adding the constant fear of them disappearing can be overwhelming,” she noted. “L.A. Found provides an essential layer of safety, reassurance, and peace of mind for caregivers and families across the community.” The launch, which took place during a press conference on October 15 in Grand Park, also marked L.A. Found Day, the anniversary of the tragic disappearance of Nancy Paulikas, a 55-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s who went missing in 2016 after wandering away from her family while visiting the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Her remains were discovered more than two years later. Her story, and the advocacy of her family, spurred the County to act. “Nancy’s story reminds us why this work matters,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “Today we honor her memory by keeping others safe. These new GPS smartwatches are not only helping find people who wander and go missing, they are giving priceless peace of mind to their caregivers and loved ones.” “Different families and situations require different solutions,” said Kirk Moody, husband of Nancy Paulikas. “L.A. Found adding a GPS option for caregivers greatly improves their ability to keep their loved ones close by when they have the technology. I hope that no one has to suffer the feeling of helplessness that we encountered when my wife Nancy went missing. L.A. Found now provides two potential solutions to the issue of at-risk wandering.” The integration of GPS technology adds “another critical layer of safety and support”| to the L.A. Found program, Karaccusian said. The Theora Connect smartwatch, paired with the Theora Link Pro app, empowers caregivers to create customizable “safe zones” for their loved ones, Karaccusian explained. “If an individual wanders outside these zones, the app immediately alerts caregivers, helping them pinpoint the person’s location quickly,” Karaccusian said. “Additionally, the Quik Connect feature allows for real-time, two-way communication — so caregivers can reassure their loved one that help is on the way. Together, these tools strengthen the program’s mission to protect vulnerable individuals and bring peace of mind to families and caregivers.” Since launching in 2018, L.A. Found has distributed more than 1,800 tracking devices — including both GPS smartwatches and radio frequency bracelets — and is credited with safely locating 29 individuals who went missing due to Alzheimer’s, autism, or other cognitive impairments. “This program is evolving to meet the needs of more families,” said Karaccusian. “Behind every feature and every device are people — families doing their best — and our job is to support them.” According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 60% of people with dementia will wander at some point. Some estimates indicate that as many as 74% of people with Alzheimer’s or dementia have wandered from home, by walking, driving, or even using public transportation. Each incident places families in crisis and can quickly become life-threatening. The safety and well-being of all residents — especially the most vulnerable — is a top priority for the County, Karaccusian further emphasized. “The goal of the L.A. Found program is to ensure that every L.A. County resident living with autism, Alzheimer’s, or another form of dementia — and their caregivers — knows about the free bracelets available to help keep them safe,” she said. “The program gives families practical solutions tailored to their needs, offering tools, resources, and peace of mind. Simply put, it’s about providing a reliable, easy-to-use tool that supports safety, independence, and staying connected.” To learn more about the L.A. Found Program, call (833) 569-7651 or visit ad.lacounty.gov/lafound.
