A JOINT scheme has been launched across Cornwall to help locate people with dementia if they go missing.
The ’Herbert Protocol’ has been running in the county for four years: it allows carers and family members to record personal information such as special places, people and life events relevant to the person living with dementia. If the person goes missing, the form is passed to police and other agencies such as Cornwall Council, the Admiral Nurse Service and search and rescue teams. It saves time and helps those who are looking to identify the individual.
Now, in a new stage of the scheme, Co-operative stores in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly are joining in to help provide this vital information. Herbert Protocol forms can be collected from any of the 42 stores across the county.
People who do not live near, or have access to a Co-Op, can collect a form from their local council offices and community centres (where open).
It is estimated there are over 7,000 carers in Cornwall looking after people with a dementia diagnosis who may need access to the form.
Vashti Pearce of Devon & Cornwall Police, said: ’It is important to ensure we have all the right procedures in place for people who are suffering with dementia and this scheme with the Co-Operative will help us achieve this.
’We know there are many people living with dementia and are being cared for by family members or private carers and therefore will not have completed a Herbert Protocol form. By working with the Co-Operative, carers can pick up a form whilst doing routine chores and without making any additional journeys.
’Having a Herbert Protocol form completed and kept at home is a massive help to police officers, partner agencies, carers and family members when they are searching for missing people.’