Last Updated on: 22nd November 2023, 01:30 pm
MedicAlert has introduced the Safe and Found programme, a pioneering initiative designed to provide support and assistance to individuals living with dementia and other cognitive impairments.
Currently, there are 944,000 people in the UK living with dementia, with approximately 40,000 reported missing each year. The Safe and Found programme serves as a vital solution to aid the police in locating individuals with dementia who have gone missing, ensuring their safe return to their families.
The programme offers the first year of MedicAlert membership completely free, generously sponsored by The McLay Dementia Trust with additional match funding provided by MedicAlert. Its primary objective is to empower individuals living with dementia, promoting their sense of safety, independence, and overall quality of life, while providing invaluable peace of mind to both them and their caregivers.
Safe and Found is now accessible nationwide, enabling individuals with dementia to securely store their digital Herbert Protocol, allowing emergency services quick access to crucial information. The Herbert Protocol, widely utilized by police forces across the country, is a comprehensive document that can be completed by members or their caregivers. It includes essential details that aid in the search for a missing person, such as recent photographs, significant locations, routines, connections, medical information, and more.
The effectiveness of the Herbert Protocol in reducing search time and increasing the likelihood of locating individuals safely has been proven. MedicAlert streamlines this process by facilitating rapid access to this critical information when it is most needed by emergency services.
MedicAlert and The McLay Dementia Trust are proud to offer free first-year MedicAlert membership to over 800 individuals living with dementia in the UK.
Kirsten Giles, CEO at MedicAlert, stated, “MedicAlert is prioritizing dementia care through this charitable initiative. We are delighted to collaborate with the Police and The McLay Dementia Trust, ensuring that individuals with dementia can continue to lead active, social, and fulfilling lives with a greater sense of security. Wherever they go, MedicAlert will be there to support them.”
In addition to the Safe and Found programme, MedicAlert has also introduced the Carer ID and Emergency Care Plan storage, catering to the needs of caregivers. This feature ensures that individuals with dementia receive consistent and appropriate care in the event of an accident or emergency involving their caregivers.
To learn more about the programme and apply for membership under The McLay Dementia Trust grant, please visit https://www.medicalert.org.uk/mclay-dementia-trust/.
