CAMDEN — An elderly Frenchville resident living alone recently died after he was found unconscious in his cold home. His death serves as a reminder that the elderly are especially vulnerable during the winter. It can be difficult living alone in rural areas; moreso for the elderly and disabled. Medical emergencies can go undetected because not everyone has neighbors, friends or relatives who regularly stop by. 

The Camden Police department is responding to the increasing need to give special attention to the elderly by sponsoring a new program, Good Morning Camden, to assist senior citizens, 60 years of age or older, and adults with disabilities who are living alone by having a daily morning check-in.

Police Chief Randy Gagne said the goal of the program is to assist individuals so they can continue to live independently and give assurance to family members, especially those who live out of the area, that loved ones are receiving daily contact.

To enroll in Good Morning Camden, each participant must complete an application form which includes information such as medical conditions, medications, primary physician and emergency contact. Although providing information is voluntary, people are encouraged to list it to help first responders in an emergency. All information on the application is to be kept confidential by the police.

The daily morning phone call will be made between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., seven days a week, from a representative of the police department, usually Jeff Sukeforth, the program's coordinator.

The calls will be brief especially if there are a lot of participants who enroll in the program. Sukeforth is predicting that many of the conversations may be about routine topics such as the weather, or whether the Patriots will be playing in the Super Bowl, but that's the type of outreach that he's hoping to have.

If a participant does not answer the phone and has not alerted the department that he or she will be unavailable, a police officer will visit the home to conduct a wellness check.

The program complements Lifeline or any other emergency service participants may already use.

Gagne said he hopes that the program will also be implemented by other local police departments in Knox County. Waldo County dispatchers implemented a similar program several years ago. (Read more about it in Waldo County dispatchers lend peace of mind, Dec. 2013)

The Camden Fire Department is collaborating with police to assist any participants identified during their phone conversations who do not have a smoke alarm, need the batteries changed or the alarm tested.

The fire department has a limited supply of alarms and is targeting the elderly, those who have a financial need, or require special assistance with installing an alarm.

Camden Fire Chief Chris Farley said that the Maine Fire Marshal's office, Maine Chapters of the Red Cross and local fire departments are all working to provide smoke detectors to those who do not have them in their home. 

Camden Detective Curt Andrick is encouraging all residents, not just the elderly, to enroll in the Yellow Dot Program. The program is part of a national initiative that began in Connecticut in 2002 and became available in Knox County in 2013.

According to Andrick, "the yellow dot sticker is a universal symbol that alerts first responders including emergency medical service personnel, police, or fire and rescue that the person has a special medical condition and that important medical information, including medications, is available in the vehicle's glove compartment."

Alerting law enforcement and emergency services personnel immediately to any special medical conditions and information is critical to the treatment of victims if they are incoherent or unresponsive. It saves valuable time and can also save lives.

It is easy to enroll in the program. All you need is the packet which includes a personal medical and emergency information form and a close up photo to attach in the space provided. The information is then place in the vehicle's glove compartment and the yellow dot sticker is mounted on the rear driver's side window. Andrick recommends that a form be completed for each member or regular vehicle occupant.

Like Good Morning Camden, participation in the Yellow Dot Program is voluntary, information is kept completely confidential and is only used by first responders to treat serious injuries or medical conditions.

To enroll in both programs, stop by the Public Safety building at 31 Washington Street from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday to pick up a packet or complete the application on site.

Police officers are also available to deliver the materials if you need special assistance. You can reach the police department at 207-236-7953. Questions regarding fire safety should be directed to the fire department, 207-236-7950.

Related story

Waldo County dispatchers lend peace of mind, Dec. 2013

Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com