Resources for Caregivers
November is National Family Caregivers Month. Many of our citizens are caring for loved ones with conditions such as dementia, autism, developmental disabilities, or other health concerns. The Huntley Police Department has programs in place designed for caregivers and the citizens that depend on their help.
The Premise Alert Program allows those with special needs or disabilities, or their guardians, to voluntarily provide personal information for emergency dissemination to police, fire, and EMS personnel. The information provided is confidential and will only be provided to emergency responders. This tool allows us to better serve members of the community who may need additional assistance regarding physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional disabilities. For instance, Premise Alert may note that a resident has sensory issues and first responders should refrain from using lights and sirens at that address when it is safe to do so.
Additionally, we can upload a photo of a citizen who may have a propensity to become lost or disoriented. This information can greatly expedite the search and reunion process. The Premise Alert System helps residents with special needs build relationships with police departments and live safer in their chosen communities.
The Care Trak program allows family members to track loved ones who are impaired and have a history of wandering from the home. Care Trak is a mobile tracking system that uses a radio frequency wrist band to locate lost individuals. When an individual wearing a transmitter is reported missing, the local certified Care Trak law enforcement agency can start the search using a radio tracking system. Care Trak is administered by the McHenry County Mental Health Board and has specific criteria for participation that include:
- Resident of Huntley, Crystal Lake, Woodstock, Johnsburg, Cary, McHenry City, and unincorporated McHenry County
- Documented diagnosis of: Autism, Alzheimer's, Dementia, Psychotic Disorder, TBI or Developmental Disability
- Must be under continuous 24 hour supervision
- History of wandering
- Difficulty in communication skills
Caregivers can learn more about these programs and find the enrollment paperwork on Crime Prevention and Public Safety Programs portion of our website.
Huntley Safety 1st is the monthly education series written by the staff of the Huntley Police Department. On the first of each month, we provide citizens with information on a different public safety related issue.