A safety net for the vulnerable

It’s been described as a safety net for the vulnerable – and now two Rotorua women have been recognised for the important role they’ve played in supporting families through WanderSearch.

Elaine Fox and Gaal Ralston have been the backbone behind the charitable trust, which administers pendants that can be used to help find people who have a cognitive impairment and the potential to wander, such as some people with dementia, neurodivergence or disability. Between them, they've volunteered hundreds of hours of support with the administration, coordination and upkeep of the programme.

Now they've been recognised for their instrumental role and awarded a District Commander’s Certificate of Appreciation for their service and dedication to the programme. The pair stepped down at the end of last year as Land Search and Rescue took over running WanderSearch.

Rotorua was one of the early adopters of the programme, spurred by the case of Mabel Jamieson who went missing in 2006. Elaine became involved through her role with Alzheimer’s Rotorua, while Gael became involved through her role in Land Search and Rescue.

Finding clients for pendants was easy with Elaine’s links, and as the reputation of the programme grew it expanded into younger people with conditions that made them at risk of going missing. About a third of those with pendants were under 15 years old.

For Gaal, seeing the reassurance the pendants gave family and caregivers, especially parents, has been the real satisfaction.

“It’s the peace of mind it gives parents knowing if their child goes missing, as long as they are wearing the WanderSearch device we should be able to find them.

“It seems a little thing, but it makes such a huge difference.”

Elaine agrees it’s that impact that kept her involved, with the programme a natural segue to her role with working with Alzheimer’s patients and their family.

“Our connections in the community meant we knew who could benefit. It was very personal. I still remember the first pendant I gave out and the response of the family, it was just a load off that they now didn’t have to do this alone.”

Detective Senior Sergeant John Wilson describes the pair as the “backbone” of the programme and says the recognition is fitting for the incredible contribution they’ve made.

“At one stage, Rotorua had the highest number of WanderSearch devices to population percentage anywhere in New Zealand and that’s a real testament to the work they put in.”

John says it’s difficult to measure just how many hours of searching have been saved thanks to the programme, as the impact is immeasurable.

“It has undoubtedly saved lives.”