THIS MONTH, Thames Valley Police is supporting a campaign to help more families affected by dementia to be prepared in the case a loved one goes missing.
In September,TVP is supporting the Herbert Protocol awareness campaign, led by the MedicAlert Foundation.
The campaign, When Memory Wanders, runs from September 13-30–during World Alzheimer’s Month–and highlights the importance of having vital information readily available to assist emergency services in locating vulnerable missing people.
The Herbert Protocol is a nationally recognised scheme which encourages carers, family members and people living with dementia to record important information that could be used if a person is reported missing.
This can include details such as previous addresses, favourite places, routines, medical information, recent photographs and other information which could help police officers and search teams locate them more quickly.
People living with dementia are particularly vulnerable when they go missing, and early access to accurate information can play a crucial role in helping officers focus search activity and bring people home safely.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Hannam from Thames Valley Police’s missing and exploitation team, said: “The Herbert Protocol is an incredibly valuable tool which can help us respond more effectively when a person living with dementia is reported missing.
“When someone goes missing, every minute matters. Having immediate access to accurate information about that person, their history, routines and places that may be significant to them can help officers make informed decisions and direct searches more effectively.
“We would encourage families and carers supporting someone with dementia to consider completing a Herbert Protocol before it is needed.
“Taking time to prepare this information in advance can make a real difference during what can be an extremely stressful and worrying situation.”
Rob Burley, Chief Executive Officer of MedicAlert Foundation UK, said: “When panic hits, a carer’s mind can understandably go blank. Having important information prepared in advance helps ensure that vital details are immediately available when they are needed most.
“We believe everyone living with dementia deserves the protection and reassurance that a Herbert Protocol can provide.”
More information about the Herbert Protocol, and the When Memory Wanders programme more specifically, is available via: herbertprotocol.com
