Local EMA encouraging people with dementia to use Care Trak

Posted on August 7, 2024

*^{The device bridges the gap for those with dementia who still have some independence and their families aren’t quite ready for them to go to a senior living center. (Photo Courtesy of WMBD-TV)}*

By WMBD-TV

WOODFORD COUNTY – The Woodford County Emergency Management Agency is spreading the word about the Care Trak system.

It helps the agency track those with dementia, should they disappear. The device bridges the gap for those with dementia who still have some independence and their families aren’t quite ready for them to go to a senior living center.

“Wandering is one of the most significant risks of individuals with any of the dementias. Because if they wander and get injured or get hurt or lost, fatalities do occur,” said Gary Knepp, retired geriatric physician and EMA volunteer. “This type of program that allows you to find that wandering dementia patient is extremely valuable.”

Woodford’s EMA started the program in 2016 and works 24/7. It uses radio waves to locate the signal emitting from a bracelet tracker.

“We have been on a number of callouts. We also have a very active and strong search and rescue team,” said Director Kent McCanless. “We have been out on some dementia calls, where people left their house and we went out and searched for them. That’s one of the main reasons we decided the program would be good for Woodford County.”

Currently eight people in Woodford County have a device out of about 8,000 people who are 65 years old or older. People with special needs like autism or down syndrome can also use the device.

Tazewell and Peoria Counties also have Care Trak. This allows the three counties to collaborate if needed. The transmitter has a one-mile radius on land and 5-mile radius in the air.

According to Woodford EMA, it takes about $350 to get someone enrolled and the proper equipment. However, the program runs on donations making it free of charge for the participant.

To sign-up or donate contact the sheriff’s department at 309-467-2375 or Woodford EMA at 309-923-6611. Then an in-home interview will be conducted with the family and participant. Once enrolled, the caretaker has to test the tracker twice daily. Woodford EMA will change the batteries every 60 days.

WMBD-TV can be reached at [email protected]

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