Manatee County Advances Plans for Dementia Resource Hub to Support Families and First Responders
A proposal to establish a dementia public safety and navigation hub in Manatee County is moving forward after gaining support from county commissioners, following compelling testimony about the challenges families face when caring for loved ones with cognitive decline.
Advocate Theresa Capuano-Scott, who has spent two decades working in assisted living and memory care, shared a real-life example illustrating the gaps in support systems. She described an incident involving a 75-year-old man with dementia who, in the early morning hours, attempted to enter a neighbor’s vehicle while trying to attend to what he believed was a work obligation from his past. Law enforcement responded but misinterpreted the situation, ultimately restraining the man and transporting him to the hospital, where he was sedated.
The man’s wife, his primary caregiver, later found him bruised and restrained, highlighting the emotional and physical toll on families navigating dementia without adequate resources. Despite seeking help, she was only provided information for care options beyond her financial means, leaving the couple to return home and repeat the cycle.
In response to situations like this, nonprofit leader Marcy MacPherson has proposed the creation of the Manatee County Dementia Public Safety and Navigation Hub. The initiative would operate out of a 1,000- to 1,500-square-foot space within a county facility and would be funded and staffed through MacPherson’s organization, DementiAbility, using grant support.
The hub is designed to serve as a centralized, accessible location where individuals and caregivers can receive guidance, connect with resources, and better understand dementia-related challenges. Its location within a county building would allow for access via public transportation and remove financial barriers for those seeking assistance.
A key feature of the initiative includes the distribution of identification bracelets for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. These bracelets would provide first responders with immediate access to critical information through a secure online portal, helping prevent misunderstandings during emergencies and ensuring faster communication with family members.
Commissioners expressed strong support for the concept, noting both professional and personal experiences with dementia care. The need for a coordinated system of support was emphasized, particularly as the aging population continues to grow and cases of dementia increase nationwide.
In addition to the hub, the initiative includes plans to introduce emergency workbooks for households with dementia patients. These resources would be easily identifiable for first responders and contain vital medical and contact information to assist during emergency calls.
The pilot program aims to serve up to 300 individuals initially, with plans for expansion as demand increases. County staff have been directed to identify potential locations and collaborate with project leaders to bring forward options for implementation.
With dementia affecting millions of Americans and projections indicating significant growth in cases over the coming decades, local leaders view the hub as a proactive step toward improving safety, awareness, and quality of life for both patients and caregivers in Manatee County.
