Dementia Safeguarding Scheme using NFC

Dementia Safeguarding and NFC wristbands

Caregiving for persons with dementia has advanced with new high-tech wristbands that use NFC technology. These wristbands can help locate vulnerable individuals if they go missing.

Each wristband contains important information about the wearer, such as their name, age, hometown, and next of kin details like name and phone number.

The Dementia Safe guarding Scheme and Herbert Protocol

The Dementia Safeguarding Scheme is a national scheme in the UK in connection with the Herbert Protocol, uses NFC wristbands and other products to help vulnerable individuals with dementia. These wristbands and NFC keycards help find missing persons. They provide contact details for their family members or next of kin.

What is the Herbert Protocol

The Herbert Protocol is a national program. It helps carers, family, or friends of vulnerable people. They can fill out a form with important information. This information is useful if the person goes missing.

It contains a list of information to help the police if the person goes missing, including:

• medication required
• mobile numbers
• places previously located
• a recent photograph

When a vulnerable person goes missing, this information can be quickly sent to the police. This helps them get important details during a stressful time. It also reduces the time it takes for the police to gather this information.

They named the initiative after George Herbert, a war veteran of the Normandy landings who lived with dementia. George Herbert died whilst 'missing', trying to find his childhood home.

Avon and Somerset Police: Dementia Safeguarding initiative

In 2020, Inspector Stuart King reached out to Seritag. He wanted to create NFC-integrated wristbands, hangtags, and lanyards. These items would help vulnerable people with dementia.

These products have a bright yellow color and a QR code. The code links to a video tutorial on using NFC. Together, they have made a big impact on the community.

The scheme aims to provide reassurance to those with dementia and their families. Inspector Stuart King runs the program with help from donations and support from stakeholders. He manages it while doing his police work and continues to oversee it at the Office of the PPC.

The Avon and Somerset Dementia Safeguarding Scheme stands as a shining example of proactive, community-focused policing. With an impressive 93% success rate, the scheme showcases the power of partnerships and the value of front-line police experience in driving change. As of November 2023, the latest figures reveal that only 7% of individuals enrolled in the scheme went missing, affirming its effectiveness.

Dementia Safeguarding: Products and How They Operate

• Dementia Safeguarding NFC Wristbands - This is the most popular product in the Dementia Safeguarding package. These wristbands are comfortable to wear and feature bold, noticeable colors, making them easy to spot and identify.
• Dementia Safeguarding NFC Hang Tags - These handy tags can be attached to keyrings, lanyards, and bags. They offer flexibility and convenience.
• Dementia Safeguarding NFC Keycards - These keycards are adaptable and can be attached to keychains, lanyards, and bags. They offer an additional method to ensure security.
• Dementia Safeguarding Lanyards - Great for integration with the NFC hang tags and keycards.

All products (excluding the lanyard) are integrated with a genuine NXP NTAG215 NFC tag which can be encoded with key information about the wearer and their next of kin.

If you would like to purchase these products have a look at our NFC dementia safeguarding packs. Alternatively if you would like to receive a specialist quote or further details on your own project please contact us at hello@seritag.com

Success and Growth of the NFC Dementia Safeguarding Scheme

Catching the eyes of the media

The success of the project has been recognized by the BBC, including coverage from BBC's Crimewatch, BBC News, and NFCW. The project has achieved great success, with local community members directly experiencing its benefits.

Expanding across the nation

The impact of this project has extended far beyond Avon and Somerset, reaching other regions where Reunite operates. We are now collaborating with additional police departments, such as Argyll and Bute Scotland Police, Staffordshire Police, Lincolnshire Police, and Surrey Police.

We hope this initiative continues to grow, providing reassurance and comfort to those living with dementia or caring for them, knowing their loved ones can be safely returned home if they go missing.