At River Exe Healthcare, we understand how worrying it can be when a loved one living with dementia goes missing, even for a short time. Sadly, it’s estimated that around 70% of people living with dementia will go missing at least once.
That’s why we want to raise awareness of the Herbert Protocol, a national scheme designed to help find people with dementia quickly and safely if they go missing.
What is the Herbert Protocol?
The Herbert Protocol is a simple but vital tool that can make all the difference in an emergency. It involves filling out a form in advance with important details about the person living with dementia, such as a recent photograph, medical needs, favourite places, and daily routines.
If they ever go missing, this information can be passed straight to the police, helping them begin their search without delay. It means families don’t have to rely on memory during a stressful time, and emergency services have everything they need to act fast.
How it Works
- Complete the form – The form can be filled in online through MedicAlert, or you can ask your local police or healthcare professional for a paper version.
- Include as much detail as possible – Describe the person’s appearance, health needs, and any locations that hold personal meaning.
- Keep it updated – Review and refresh the information at least every six months, or after any changes.
- Store it safely – Keep a printed copy somewhere easy to find, or store it securely online.
- Share with others – Let family members, neighbours or carers know where the form is kept, so they can help if ever needed.
When the form is registered online, police can quickly access it from the national Herbert Protocol database, saving valuable time and ensuring search efforts focus on the most likely locations.
Why It Matters
For families, the Herbert Protocol offers peace of mind and a clear plan of action should the unthinkable happen. It helps reduce panic and confusion, allowing the focus to remain on finding the person quickly and safely.
For the person living with dementia, it means they’re more likely to be found in familiar, meaningful places and returned home safely.
For emergency services, it ensures vital information is available immediately, improving response times and outcomes for everyone involved.
Practical Tips
- Review the form regularly, at least every six months.
- Tell trusted people where the form is kept.
- Consider additional identification such as a MedicAlert bracelet or ID card.
Our Commitment to Dementia Care
At River Exe Healthcare, we work with families across East Devon and South East Cornwall to provide compassionate, person-centred dementia care. Our trained care professionals understand the challenges that memory loss and confusion can bring, and we always aim to support each person to live safely and comfortably in their own home.
If you care for someone living with dementia, we encourage you to complete the Herbert Protocol form. It’s a simple step that could make all the difference.
For more information about the Herbert Protocol, visit Dementia UK’s website
or speak to our friendly team at River Exe Healthcare, we’re here to help and guide you.
01395 264767
www.riverexehealthcare.co.uk