A CARE home in Holsworthy has implemented a new protocol in conjunction with the police to ensure information about residents living with dementia is easily accessible to assist in their return, should they go missing.

Bodmeyrick Care Home in Holsworthy were keen to get involved and have since implemented the ‘Herbert Protocol’, named after George Herbert, a war veteran of the Normandy landing who lived with dementia and died whilst ‘missing’. The protocol is designed to support existing safeguarding regulations, not replace them.

The protocol encourages carers or family members to produce a document which features information about an adult living with dementia. The form can include details such as distinguishable features, medication requirements, a contact number, places previously located e.g. former home, and a recent photograph.

In the event the person should go missing, this document can be used by the police to help them track the vulnerable person down quickly and efficiently.

PC Amanda Brown, of Holsworthy neighbourhood police team, along with PFCSO Mark James, has been working closely with the staff at Bodmeyrick to implement the protocol in their care home. PC Brown said: “We are delighted to have been contacted by Bodmeyrick, who were keen to be involved in this scheme.

“The Herbert Protocol is a simple risk reduction tool to be used in the event of an adult with care and support needs going missing, it is not intended to replace existing safeguarding and security measures. It consists of a form that contains vital information, that can be passed to the police at the point the person is reported missing.

“A recent photograph of the person should also be kept with the form. The form is kept securely by the carer, friend or family member and is only given to police should the need arise.

“The protocol is named after George Herbert, a war veteran of the Normandy landings, who lived with dementia. George unfortunately died whilst ‘missing’, trying to find his childhood home.”

Bodmeyrick registered manager Keeley Marshall researched the Herbert Protocol and pitched it to her team. Speaking about the care home’s involvement, Keeley said: “The safety of our service users at Bodmeyrick Care Home in Holsworthy is paramount. We are always looking for ways to develop and exceed current standards.

“We held a meeting at Bodmeyrick with the proprietor Janet Orchard, where it was decided that we would implement the protocol within our home.

“I, Kim Tappin and Angela Cobbledick [deputy managers] have been working alongside PC Mandy Brown and PFCSO Mark James from Holsworthy police station regarding this national scheme. We will work in partnership to ensure that if a vulnerable person goes missing, the police have the form at the earliest opportunity.

“The form contains vital information about the person at risk such as distinctive markings, hair colour, etc., and likely places that the individual may go. The form is passed onto the police at the point that the individual is reported missing. Although Bodmeyrick is a secure home, the management team want to ensure that in such an event as much as possible is done to maximise the probability of a safe return.”

Bodmeyrick’s sister home, Deer Park, will also be rolling out the same scheme in the near future.

Should other homes or individuals wish to be involved the form is available directly from the Devon and Cornwall Police website www.dc.police.uk/missingherbert or by emailing the local team at [email protected]