Caring Hands

The Caring Hands program allows residents to voluntarily provide Naperville’s first responders with critical information about themselves or loved ones with developmental, cognitive, mental, medical and/or physical disabilities who may require special assistance during an emergency or non-emergency situation. Information provided could include methods of communication, sensory and medical issues as well as approach and de-escalation techniques.

We encourage Naperville residents to submit a completed Caring Hands Participant Information Form for each member of their household with any kind of special physical, behavioral and/or psychological conditions, including but not limited to the following:

Once the information on the Caring Hands Participant Information Form has been verified, an alert will be put into Naperville’s public safety database. That alert with all the pertinent information will pop up on the call-taker’s screen any time a call for police, fire or emergency medical services is received related to the name, address or vehicle identification information listed on the form. This allows the appropriate first responders to receive the necessary information about the member of the household who may require special attention or care before they even arrive at the scene.

In addition, a photo of the participant can be submitted to aid public safety members in identifying individuals who may have wandered off and cannot remember where they live or cannot communicate with first responders.

Individuals who maintain electrically-powered, life-sustaining medical equipment in their home could also benefit from participation in the Caring Hands program, as it advises the Department of Public Utilities – Electric of the need for uninterrupted electrical service. While we recommend that all residents with unique needs for uninterrupted electrical power obtain their own back-up power source, enrollment in the Caring Hands program will help City agencies identify residences requiring temporary power in instances of planned service interruptions. It does not, however, guarantee a response by emergency responders for unplanned outages, such as those due to inclement weather.

Caring Hands Bracelets

Participants are also offered a silicone Caring Hands bracelet with a stainless-steel plate bearing a 24-hour phone number to Naperville’s emergency dispatch center and unique four-digit identification number. If a participant has contact with a first responder in any jurisdiction and they have difficulty communicating, the first responder can call the number, provide the unique identification number to dispatchers and obtain valuable medical and interaction information about the wearer as well as contact information for family members.

Voluntary Participation

Wearing the bracelet and participating in the Caring Hands program is voluntary and can be initiated by the individual with the specific need, their parent/guardian, foster family, legal representative, or legal guardian. The person submitting the form will be required to update the program administrator when any information on the form changes. At minimum, an update must be done each year on the participant’s birthday.

Participating in this program will not result in any preferential treatment.