Could a dementia wristband help your family member?

Did you know?

Around seven in ten people living with dementia may go missing at least once.

Last year Durham Constabulary launched a new initiative - the Dementia Wristband.

When an individual is signed up to our Herbert Protocol, they will be offered a wristband or hangtag. These are programmed to hold the individual’s next of kin name and contact number, so in the event that they go missing and are located, we are able to return them home as soon as possible.

Officers are asking anyone who notices someone on their own, looking lost and confused, and wearing one of these bright yellow bands or tags to stop and help.

PCSO Nicholas Laverick, who is assisting in rolling out and managing the scheme, said: “We know how challenging dementia can be for families. This scheme offers reassurance and helps bring loved one’s home safely as quickly as possible.

“We are encouraging anyone who is hearing about this initiative and has a loved one who could be supported by both the Herbert Protocol and the Dementia Wristband Scheme to contact us, If you have a loved one already on the scheme and feel the additional support of a band or tag would be beneficial, please contact us on the below email.”

To refer a loved one into the Herbert Protocol, or to request a band or tag if already on the protocol, please email [email protected]