New programme designed to keep people living with dementia safe and found with MedicAlert

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, UK. June 6, 2023 - MedicAlert has launched a new Safe and Found programme to help those living with dementia and living with other cognitive impairments.

Currently, there are 944,000 people living with dementia in the UK. On average, around 40,000 are reported missing every year.

The Safe and Found programme provides a much-needed solution to aid the police in their search for people living with dementia who are reported missing and bring them back to their families safely.

The first year of the MedicAlert membership is completely free - sponsored by The McLay Dementia Trust with match funding by MedicAlert. The programme is designed to allow people living with dementia to feel safer, have more independence and live fuller lives whilst providing invaluable peace of mind to them and their carers.

Safe and Found is now available nationwide. It allows people living with dementia to securely store their digital Herbert Protocol for quick access by emergency services. This information-rich document, used by police forces nationally, can be completed by the members or their carers. It includes important details that aid in a missing person search, such as a recent photo, places of importance, routines and habits, connections, medical details and more.

The Herbert Protocol is a proven strategy for reducing search time and increasing the chance of the individual being found safe and well. MedicAlert is speeding up the process by providing quick access for emergency services to this critical information when it is needed most.

MedicAlert and The McLay Dementia Trust will be providing first-year MedicAlert membership free to over 800 people living with dementia in the UK.

Kirsten Giles, CEO at MedicAlert, said: “The MedicAlert charity is making dementia a priority. We are proud to work with the Police and The McLay Dementia Trust. These partnerships ensure you feel safer and more comfortable continuing to be active, socialising, and living well with dementia. Wherever you go, we will be with you.”

“MedicAlert has also launched the Carer ID and storage of Emergency Care Plans to support carers. This ensures that their loved one receives appropriate and continuous care if a carer has an accident.”

To find out more and apply for membership under The McLay Dementia Trust grant, please visit https://www.medicalert.org.uk/mclay-dementia-trust/