Families sign up to dementia safety scheme

FAMILIES whose loved ones have dementia are being encouraged to sign up to a police safeguarding scheme after research highlighted the increased risk to people who go missing during colder months.

- STAFF REPORTER

More than 700 people have registered for the Avon and Somerset Police initiative since December 2024, taking the total number to almost 2,500.

Launched in 2015, the Dementia Safeguarding Scheme incorporates the nationally recognised Herbert Protocol which enables someone living with dementia or their next of kin to share key information in advance.

This has led to the allocation of more than 4,000 free assistance devices including Life360 Bluetooth tracking tiles and NFC assistance wristbands and tags.

Stuart King, inspector at Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Getting lost or disorientated in the community can have serious consequences for someone living with dementia, especially in the colder, darker months.