Dementia wristbands to be rolled out across the county
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Around 70% of individuals living with dementia may go missing at least once.
In order to reduce the risk of harm to a missing person with dementia, and locate them with minimal adverse outcomes, Durham Constabulary are launching a new initiative, the ‘dementia wristband’.
The bands will be rolled this month and officers are asking anyone who spots someone on their own, looking lost and confused and wearing one of these bright yellow bands to stop and help.
Holding a mobile phone close to the band will result in personal information being displayed including the individuals name and emergency contact number.
There is also a QR code attached to the band which directs people to information about the Herbert protocol on the force’s website.
The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme designed to assist in locating individuals with dementia who may go missing, providing essential information to emergency services.
Around 1,000 bands and 1,000 tags which can be attached to clothing have been produced and funded by Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen.
PCSO Jess Brown who is leading the scheme, said: “The benefits of financially supporting and providing dementia tags to our vulnerable residents are two-fold. One, it will provide extra safeguarding to those living with dementia, giving families additional reassurance that their loved ones can be returned home quickly should they go missing and two, it will massively reduce demand on our resources.
“The wristbands offer peace of mind for everyone. For the wearer, knowing they have a safeguard in place allows for greater confidence and freedom in their movements. Caregivers and family members also benefit from them knowing that the wristband facilitates quick communication if needed."
Individuals signed up to the Herbert protocol will be first in line to receive the bands or tags and then once trialled, will be rolled out to the wider public.
PCSO Brown added: “For family members and carers affected by dementia, it can be a challenging and testing time. These wristbands not only give reassurance and comfort but they also give the individual diagnosed a sense of independence which is something they crave. We hope these wristbands will make everyone feel more relaxed knowing should their loved one go missing, they will be safe.”
Who is eligible?
The scheme is only available to:
- Residents of County Durham or Darlington
- An individual living with dementia
How do I sign up?
The dementia wristband and tag scheme is currently being delivered alongside Herbert Protocol visits. At this time, anyone completing a new Herbert Protocol application will be eligible to receive a wristband or tag as part of the process.
Please contact [email protected] to request a visit.
What do I do if I locate somebody wearing a band or tag?
Members of the public who notice someone wearing a wristband or tag and who appears lost, disoriented, or confused are encouraged to approach them calmly and offer reassurance. The wristband contains important information that can help return the person to safety and is designed to be easy for anyone to use.
The wristband uses Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows a mobile phone to read the information stored on it. To access the details, simply hold your mobile phone close to the wristband. Your screen will then display the name and contact number of the person’s next of kin.
By calling the next of kin directly, you can help reunite the individual with their family or carers quickly and safely.
For details, please contact [email protected]