The randolph county sheriffs office (rcso) will purchase GPS-enabled devices to assist with locating individuals with dementia or developmental disabilities, such as autism, who may wander from a safe…

The County of Randolph was awarded a $150,000 Project Grant by the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the Missing Alzheimer's Disease Patient Assistance Program (CFDA 16.015). The grant funding will enable the Randolph County Sheriff's Office to purchase GPS-enabled devices to assist with locating individuals with dementia or developmental disabilities, such as autism, who may wander from safe locations. The devices will report location information to caregivers' smartphones, helping to prevent wandering behavior, facilitate rescue efforts, and improve the safety and autonomy of the target population. This person-centered approach aims to decrease missing persons calls and reduce the time required to locate wandering individuals, thereby contributing to a reduction in injury and death. The 3-year grant period runs from October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2027.

The randolph county sheriffs office (rcso) will purchase GPS-enabled devices to assist with locating individuals with dementia or developmental disabilities, such as autism, who may wander from a safe location. GPS-enabled devices will report location information to an eligible caregivers smart phone. The countys 65+ population is large and growing. Residents over age 65 are projected to increase as the population grows due to economic development in the region. The largest demographic in the county (54-59) continues to age, and the retirement community is expanding. Over 3,600 residents in randolph county are estimated to be living with alzheimers or some form of dementia; this number is expected to increase over the next several years. The rcso partners with community organizations to link citizens with resources. Randolph senior adults association and rcso regularly collaborate on educational opportunities for senior residents, their loved ones, and caregivers through the salt program. The rcso will enhance the citizens academy, volunteer sheriffs services officer program, and well check program to provide education to law enforcement, promote community awareness, and support individuals with dementia and their families. This program will prevent wandering behavior and improve individual autonomy while providing peace of mind to family members. This program will extend to individuals with developmental disabilities that may wander from a safe environment and will provide caretakers with GPS devices to assist with facilitating safe return. This person-centered approach does not restrict or confine the individual, but rather promotes healthy movement and increased autonomy. The projected outcome is a decrease in missing persons calls involving the target population, and decreased time to locate individuals, thereby contributing to a reduction in injury and death through proactive approaches.