If someone goes missing

What to do

1. Do a quick check of the house, garden and outbuildings, then the places they like to go.
2. If you can't find them quickly, call 999. Say they have dementia, where they were last seen, and when. There is no waiting period before you can report someone missing, and you shouldn't wait to see if they come back.
3. Give the police a recent photo, what they are wearing, any medication or health needs, and places they like to visit, have lived or have worked. If you have a Herbert Protocol form, give them that.
4. Ask someone to stay at home in case they return. Keep your phone free and charged.
5. If you use Nudgent, open the person's screen. It shows where your phone was when the tag was last in range, and when. That is close to where they were then. It is not where they are now.

Prepare in advance

The Herbert Protocol is a form carers fill in before it is needed, so the police have the information quickly. Many police forces use it. Nudgent has a printable information sheet with the same kind of details, which you can fill in on screen or by hand. Keep a copy somewhere you can find in a hurry, and a recent photo.

Missing People, a charity, has advice and support for families.

When they are found

Tap I've got them on the alert in Nudgent to stop the repeats. Think about what happened, and whether something about the home, the routine or the tag needs to change. Tell the person's care team.