Safe Again Care Trak

The Care Trak project, operating under the Sunapee Fire Department, includes the purchase, maintainance and administration of a radio tracking system equipment and program known as Care Trak, designed to assist in locating mentally impaired individuals who wander. The New London Fire and Sunapee Police Departments will be an integral part of the joint response when a Care Trak user is reported missing. Members from both organizations will be trained in the use of the tracking equipment.

The Need: 

Thousands of searches are organized each year to locate Alzheimer's patients, kids with Autism, Down Syndrome, or other special needs, or individuals with traumatic brain injuries, who have strayed, wandered or bolted and run away from the protection of their family or care facility. Whether it is Alzheimer's, Autism, Down Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Williams Syndrome, Soto Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, or some other condition that causes someone to wander, it is every caregiver's nightmare that someday they will vanish without a trace.

Alzheimer’s:

20,000 people have Alzheimer’s in NH today, with a predicted 250% increase in that number by 2050. “Wandering” is a common, early symptom of this disease. These folks have to be found fast, if they are to be found alive. After 24 hours missing, the fatality rate is nearly 50%. Local nursing and senior services estimate 10-20 potential clients currently in the immediate area.

With nearly 4,000,000 Americans currently affected by Alzheimer's, current studies indicate 60% will wander. 73% of those who are lost or missing having “altered” cognitive levels (thinking, judgment, social skill, etc.)

Autism:

One in every 150 children being born today will be autistic. Like Alzheimer’s victims, a common behavior for many people with autism is running way or wandering.

Dementia Profile:
  • They go until they get “stuck."
  • Will NOT cry out for “help” or respond to shouts (only 1% respond).
  • Appear to lack ability to turn around
  • Oriented to the past, the more severe the disease the further in the past they exist
  • In the urban/suburban environment, they are frequently found in structures (which includes yards) or walking along roads.
  • Often found behind shrubbery and/or out buildings.
  •  Leaves their own residence or nursing home, often with a sighting on the road.
  • May cross or depart from roads.
  •  Attracted to water features.
  • May attempt to travel to former residence or favorite place.
  • May not leave verifiable clues.

Care Trak can save lives, reduce caregiver stress and save money for the town!