Dementia Safeguarding Scheme
The Dementia Safeguarding Scheme is an initiative created by a partnership between Devon and Cornwall Police and Memory Matters.
*This initially will be a trial period and currently will only be available in the city of Plymouth.
Many individuals living with dementia go missing each year, with more than 40,000 people with dementia getting lost in the UK annually. Such incidents have significant consequences for people living with dementia as they can lead to significant harm and at the same time, cause severe distress in carers and family members.
Allowing individuals living with dementia to stay independent longer, but safe at home, is not only a key priority of individuals living with dementia and their families but also of the government (see Chief Medical Officer’s annual report 2023: health in an ageing society - GOV.UK)
There is, therefore, an urgent need for safeguarding schemes that allow individuals living with dementia to remain independent but safe.
This scheme enables individuals living with dementia, their next-of-kin, or carers to provide key information that can be accessed by them and the police if the individual goes missing or needs assistance.
Eligibility
This scheme is only available to people who:
- reside in the city of Plymouth
- are living with dementia
Before you register
The information is captured in an online request form and is used by the police to facilitate sending the Dementia Safeguarding Pack to you.
Information captured includes:
- names
- addresses
- mobile numbers
You will be asked to provide personal information about yourself or the individual the pack is intended for. It is important you make sure:
The individual has given informed consent to this application OR you are authorised to act on their behalf AND you understand you may be asked to evidence this if required to do so.
The form is only available online and we cannot provide it in any other format due to the way it is processed once submitted. Assistance may be available for completing forms, please email dementia safeguarding scheme for more details.
On joining the Scheme
You will be sent a Dementia Safeguarding Support Pack which will include –
- Welcome cover letter
- Near Field Communication (NFC) / Bluetooth technology
- Instructions for using the technology
- Letter from Memory Matters advertising their support groups and services.
- Herbert Protocol registration forms
As part of the scheme, you can request our assistance devices which we provide free of charge for eligible individuals living with dementia.
The scheme provides Tile Lumiio (NFC) wearable wristbands and hangtags and Bluetooth tracking devices, which can be attached to a supplied lanyard.
The NFC devices consist of a hang tag and a wristband.
Both of these store electronic information about the wearer, such as their name and next-of-kin.
With Lumiio (NFC) enabled, the device can be scanned by a smartphone if the person living with dementia needs assistance.
Devices are only available for those with dementia and not any other type of medical condition.
Tile trackers use Bluetooth and Life360’s global network of more than 76 million smartphones to assist in locating the Tile when it comes into range.
Key features include:
- Range – the device operates within 100 to 500 feet.
- Privacy – location data is visible only to the registered user or individuals they authorise.
- Battery life – the device lasts up to three years without requiring charging or maintenance.
Each Tile device includes a QR code, which can be easily programmed using the enclosed instructions.
When scanned, the QR code displays details about the wearer and their next-of-kin.
Part of the pack will include a Herbert Protocol registration form which is to be kept in a safe place and easily accessible in the event of the person going missing.
Providing these details in advance means the next-of-kin or carer of the individual living with dementia does not need to remember vital information if they need to report them as a missing person. This helps to reduce their stress at an already anxious time.
Information captured includes:
- medication required
- mobile numbers
- previous addresses and employer details
- places previously located
- photographs
You will be asked to provide personal information about the individual. It is important you make sure:
- this information is accurate
- the individual is aware you are completing the form on their behalf
- you have the individual’s consent, if you are not applying for yourself
For more information please visit our Herbert Protocol page
Register for the scheme
If you are living with dementia or are the next-of-kin or carer of a someone living with dementia, and have their consent, sign up to scheme via our online form.
If you wish to withdraw from the scheme, please email dementia safeguarding scheme and your details will be removed.
The information provided on the related form will be used to facilitate the receiving of the dementia safeguarding pack and will not be further processed for a policing / law enforcement purpose.
Data will be stored securely on approved systems with restricted access.
We process personal data for the purpose of safeguarding vulnerable individuals under our public duty and where appropriate based on consent.
By joining the scheme, you agree to the above and that you may receive subsequent communication requesting your feedback regarding the scheme.
If you do not wish to be contacted to provide feedback please use the email below.
There is no expectation to return any equipment that is provided to you, but we kindly ask you to return the equipment to be used for someone else who may need it.
You can withdraw from the scheme at any time by sending an email to dementia safeguarding scheme.
NFC wristbands/lanyards (these can be scanned by anyone with an NFC device to give the person contact details of NOK).
The Police do not have access to information held on the Lumiio device. This is managed by the service provider and/or the individual’s family.
The tracking element is all done by Life 360 Tile app that the carer/family download for free to track their loved one.
The Police do not have access to live tracking data. Location tracking is managed by the service provider and/or the individual’s family.
This scheme is intended as a supportive safeguarding tool and does not guarantee the prevention of missing persons or harm.
Police tracking
Devon and Cornwall Police do not track individuals through this scheme. Any location tracking is managed by the device provider and is controlled by the individual or their family.
Access to the information provided
The information you provide is used only to administer the scheme and support safeguarding. It is stored securely and accessed only by authorised personnel. Third party services used as part of the scheme operate independently and have their own privacy policies.
The legal basis that the police have to run this scheme
This scheme is operated as part of the Police’s role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and protection to life, Personal data is processed under our public task, and where appropriate, based on consent.
Consent to register someone
You must have the individuals consent if they have capacity. If the person lacks capacity, you must be authorised by the individual to make decisions on their behalf (Lasting Power of Attorney, Deputy, or acting in their best interest under the Mental Capacity Act 2005
Not compulsory
This scheme is voluntary and requires positive consent.
Any guarantee
This scheme is a supportive safeguarding tool only and does not guarantee prevention of missing incidents or harm. It should be used alongside other safeguarding measures.
Maintenance of device
The individual or their family/career is responsible for maintaining and using any device.
Device failure
The police and partner organisations are not responsible for device failures. The scheme is designed to assist but cannot guarantee outcomes.
Data sharing
Information provided to us will not be shared with other organisations and will only be used to authorised Devon and Cornwall staff.
Information storage length
Your information will only be stored for as long as necessary to administer the scheme and in line with police data retention policies or until your consent is withdrawn.
Additional help with form
Please contact us as we will be able to provide you with details of a partner organise to assist you with completing the application.
Responsibility of data
Devon and Cornwall Police are the data controller for information submitted via this form. Third Parties operate independently and have their own privacy policy
Making a data information request
You can do this by following the Subject Access Request process. You can use the link - Ask for, delete or change information | Devon & Cornwall Police.
An application of this type will only provide information which is about you or which you have given to the police. It will not provide information from which any third party can be identified unless that person consents to the disclosure.
Additional support for people with dementia
View details of services available to help you.
- Age UK Plymouth - Support for older people including dementia information, carers support, wellbeing activities, and community services.
- The Elder Tree - Community charity supporting older adults with wellbeing activitiesand social connection
- Herbert Protocol - find out more
- Livewell Southwest Dementia Advisor Service - Dementia advisors, post-diagnosis support, memory pathway services, and carers guidance.
- Memory Matters is a Plymouth-based social enterprise and charity
- Alzheimer's Society offers a range of services for people with dementia and their carers
Report a missing person
If you are concerned someone has gone missing, follow our guidance on how to report a missing person.