A new dementia safeguarding scheme has launched in Plymouth, developed in partnership with Devon and Cornwall Police, Memory Matters, Livewell Southwest Adult Social Care and the Dementia Pathway Team.
It is designed to support people living with dementia to remain safe and independent where they live and give reassurance to families and carers. Age UK estimates there are currently 3700 people living with dementia in Plymouth.
Kate Smith, CEO Memory Matters, Sergeant Dan Timmins, Devon and Cornwall Police and Helena Lamorna, Practice Lead for Adult Social Care at Livewell Southwest.
People living with dementia can sometimes struggle with memory, routes and recognising landmarks, which can increase the risk of becoming lost. This scheme aims to reduce those risks and help people return home safely.
The lanyards, wristbands and tile trackers are being handed out by Devon and Cornwall Police.
The lanyards and wristbands use technology that stores basic information about a person, usually contact details for their next of kin or carer. They can be scanned by most smartphones without the need to download an app, allowing anyone to call for help.
The wearer’s data is held on the tag itself and not on an external server. They do not need batteries or charging and will store information for several years.
The pocket sized tile tracker uses Bluetooth to show its last known location. All the information is controlled by the owner or those who support them, not the police.
Police forces around the UK have adopted similar schemes which have reduced the number of missing person searches.
Sergeant Dan Timmins said: “This is a scheme that I hope will empower and safeguard a lot of people to live independently. Living with dementia can be challenging, and we see many people who repeatedly go missing. People with dementia who go missing are extremely vulnerable, and these devices can quickly prevent these individuals from coming to harm, sometimes even before emergency services need to be contacted.
“I want to encourage people to be upstanders and help anyone who looks lost or confused, whether they are wearing one of our devices or not. Taking a few seconds out of your day to check on someone can make a world of difference. Almost anyone with a smartphone can use the tags; all you need to do is hold your phone over the code.
“If you know someone who could benefit from this scheme, please encourage them to sign up.”
The devices are free of charge thanks to a donation from Memory Matters’ charitable arm, Memory Matters Foundation.
Kate Smith, CEO of Memory Matters, said: “Too often, people living with dementia and their families are left carrying the fear and stress of someone becoming lost or disoriented. This scheme is about giving people greater confidence, independence and safety, while also giving families peace of mind.
“At Memory Matters, we know how important practical community support is, and projects like this only happen because of fundraising and charitable investment. Through the support of the Memory Matters Foundation, we are proud to help fund devices that can make a real difference to someone’s everyday life and potentially prevent a vulnerable person from coming to harm.
“This partnership shows what can happen when charities, communities and public services work together with a shared purpose, helping people with dementia stay connected, supported and safe within their communities.”
This scheme has been developed in consultation with Livewell Adult Social Care and our Dementia Pathway Team.
Livewell Southwest Adult Social Care Safeguarding Team
Helena Lamorna, Practice Lead for Adult Social Care at Livewell Southwest said: “At Livewell, we are committed to supporting people living with dementia to lead safe, independent and connected lives. We are proud to have worked alongside Devon and Cornwall Police to help shape this scheme, ensuring it truly meets the needs of the people and families we support.
“For people living with dementia and those who care for them, the fear of someone becoming lost can be overwhelming. We believe this free, simple intervention can play a valuable role in safeguarding and supporting people with dementia living in Plymouth.”
To sign up for free, please visit Dementia Safeguarding Scheme | Devon & Cornwall Police
