People with dementia sometimes get lost and go missing due to wandering behaviour.
Dementia And Wandering Behaviour
At Kingsway Care, we pride ourselves on going the extra mile to support our clients and their families, especially when faced with the challenges of dementia. This particular story highlights the importance of vigilance, quick action, and the tools we use to ensure safety when a client with dementia has wandering behaviour.
Tracking Wandering Behaviour
We were contacted by the family of an elderly client living alone, as they had noticed her dementia was progressing. While she cherished her independence, she began to wander frequently. To address this, the family attached a discreet tracker to her keys, allowing them to monitor her movements for safety.
When Wandering Becomes Dangerous
Initially, her routine was predictable: daily walks to her local Sainsbury’s, often three times a day, without any issues. However, one night, the tracker alerted them that she was up at 2am, walking alone down London Road, Brighton, towards the supermarket.
Call 101 & The Herbert Protocol
Recognising this as unusual and potentially dangerous, we immediately called 101 to report a vulnerable person wandering alone. The police were quick to respond, and during the process, they introduced us to The Herbert Protocol.
The Herbert Protocol is a national programme that gives police, social services and other local services the ability to share information about your loved one if they go missing.
This initiative required us to provide detailed information about our client, including:
- A recent photograph
- Description (height, weight, clothing preferences)
- Medical conditions
- Habits, routines, and favourite places
- Emergency contacts
Thanks to the information we had already had on file, we were able to assist the police swiftly and our client was found safe and returned home.
After discussions with her family and the police, it was agreed that for her continued safety, transitioning to a nursing home would be the best option.
This experience taught us the immense value of the Herbert Protocol. Now, for any client at risk of wandering, we proactively pre-fill the form in partnership with their families. This simple step ensures rapid action if needed, enhances safety, and provides peace of mind for everyone involved.
Watch the video below to learn more about the Herbert Protocol.
Our mission at Kingsway Care is not just about providing home care but ensuring our clients and their families feel supported, prepared, and protected every step of the way.
Free Dementia Support Sessions
If you'd like to learn more about dementia and how to better care for your loved one, Kingsway Care host monthly free dementia support sessions, usually on the last Wednesday of the month. To learn more and book a session, please click here.
Contact Kingsway Care
If you need home care support to keep your loved one safe at home, please contact our friendly team to discuss how we can help you. Telephone 01273 077444 or email info@kingswaycare.com
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