Dementia Safeguarding Scheme

 

It has been estimated that more than 850,000 people in the UK are affected by dementia, but less than half have been diagnosed.  One of the greatest fears many family carers have is that the person they love will get lost or disorientated when they’re out on their own.

 

As part of the Dementia Safeguarding Scheme we, alongside other emergency service partners, have created a wristband to help protect and safeguard those vulnerable people with dementia in our society. We hope these devices will provide some reassurance to families who may be worried about their loved ones at risk.

 

Since the launch of these bands on BBC Crimewatch late last year, we have had a huge amount of interest and requests through Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSV) and general email enquiries from individuals and families of people living with dementia. 

 

The band uses a near field communication chip that stores a small amount of information that is programmed via a mobile phone while we do the visit. This information can be read with an enabled phone and contains essential information about the wearer, including their name and details of next of kin. This information can be used by emergency services, health professionals or community members to get the wearer back to safety should they be found whilst lost or confused.   

 

If you feel you, a family member or someone you care for would benefit from a wristband and you live within the Service area then contact us to arrange a visit.  These bands are free of charge and a visit can be booked by visiting our Home Fire Safety Visits page or by calling Avon Fire & Rescue Service on 0117 926 2061.

 

The initiative is the product of collaboration between Avon Fire & Rescue Service, Avon & Somerset Police, Avon & Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner and the Senior Citizen Liaison Team (charity).