Keeping Loved Ones Safe: What You Need to Know About the Herbert Protocol
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Keeping Loved Ones Safe: What You Need to Know About the Herbert Protocol

  • Writer: Homelium
    Homelium
  • Jul 4
  • 2 min read
Text reads "THE HERBERT PROTOCOL Safe & Found" on a blue background. White letters, yellow map pin forming the letter "O."

Caring for someone with dementia can bring many joys and just as many challenges. One of the most distressing situations a carer or family member can face is when a loved one goes missing or becomes disoriented while out in the community. Thankfully, there’s a proactive way to help: The Herbert Protocol.


What Is the Herbert Protocol?

The Herbert Protocol is a national safeguarding scheme supported by police forces across the UK. It’s designed to help protect vulnerable people who may go missing, particularly those living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, or memory-related conditions.

By completing a simple form in advance, carers and family members can provide essential information that the police can use quickly and effectively should the person go missing.


What Information Does It Include?

The form captures important details such as:

  • A recent photograph

  • Medical needs and medications

  • Daily routines

  • Favourite places they may try to visit

  • Contact information for family or carers

  • Past addresses, friends, or locations with meaning

Having this ready means police officers can act faster, with accurate details at their fingertips, saving precious time in what can be a very stressful situation.


Why Is It Important?

When someone with dementia goes missing, every minute matters.

The Herbert Protocol can:

✅ Speed up search efforts

✅ Reduce distress for families

✅ Help return the person home safely

✅ Prevent repeat incidents by helping professionals understand risk patterns


Who Should Complete It?

If you care for someone who may be at risk of wandering or getting lost, it’s worth completing the Herbert Protocol form as a preventative measure. It’s especially helpful for those who:

  • Have dementia or Alzheimer’s

  • Experience memory loss or confusion

  • Live alone or go out independently

  • Have previously wandered or gone missing


Where Can You Find the Form?

The Herbert Protocol form is usually available on your local police force’s website. Once filled out, it should be kept in a safe but easily accessible place and shared with care providers or neighbours where appropriate.

👉 If you need help finding your local form, feel free to reach out to us, we’re always happy to assist families in putting plans in place for peace of mind.


How Can Home Care Help?

At Homelium, we work closely with families to put safeguards in place, including helping complete forms like the Herbert Protocol, offering support with routines. and keeping a caring eye on clients throughout the day. Our aim is to give both clients and their families confidence and reassurance every step of the way.


For more advice on caring for a loved one with dementia, or how our home care services can support you, feel free to get in touch with our friendly team. 💙

Call us on 0333 3448 677 or email hello@homelium.com

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