Searching for tracking system

By Laura Mead - lmead@dailypress.net

ESCANABA - Local adult care facilities use electronic "wander assist" or "safe return" bracelets to assist in finding and protecting elderly individuals who have wandered away due to Alzheimer's or dementia.

Mindy Kolbus, administrator at Christian Park Village, Escanaba, said high-risk residents wear electronic bracelets that set off an alarm if they go through the exit. She said the facility also follows specific federal and state protocol when a resident "elopes." Kolbus said fortunately they have not yet had to use such protocol.

At Perspectives Adult Care Center, Escanaba, individuals may wear a safe return bracelet which has the person's identification number and the phone number for the local sheriff's department, said Randy Daignealt, program supervisor. With the safe return bracelet, if the individual is found by police or a citizen and is far from home, they will know how to get them home safely.

While these bracelets are helpful, Kolbus said they aren't fool-proof. Individuals often take them off. She said something like the Silver Alert (see related story) or a tracking system would be helpful.

"Because we're not locked ... there are those people ... that may slip through," said Kolbus. "This (tracking system) would be something we're hoping to access."

With the help of Delta County Sheriff Gary Ballweg and Triad, a community-based partnership between law enforcement agencies, agencies and individuals involved in elderly issues, Kolbus and Daignealt have been working on a grant to get a radio tracking device called CareTrak, a system used in Marquette County.

Daignealt said CareTrak is something any caregiver could purchase, and would be especially helpful for those who have loved ones who don't live in a adult care facility.

If the grant were procured and Delta County was to get the CareTrak system, it would be accessible to all the Upper Peninsula, said Daignealt. Unfortunately, Daignealt said they have not been able to procure the grant.

"There is such a need out there, especially for people who want to keep their loved one as close to home as possible," said Kolbus.