Protocol ‘critical’ for missing people with dementia

Families of those living with dementia are being urged to prepare by completing the Herbert Protocol, a document designed to help gardaí locate people quickly and easily if they go missing.

Agnes McManus Dulake, Interim Operational Lead for the HSE’s Integrated Care Team for Older People (ICTOP) in Cavan-Monaghan, outlined the initiative at a meeting of Cavan’s Local Community Safety Partnership (LCSP) at Hotel Kilmore in Cavan Town.

The protocol gathers crucial information about a person living with dementia, including their physical description, a recent photograph, medication, emergency contact numbers and familiar places where they may be likely to go if they become confused or disorientated.

Ms McManus Dulake stated that completing the form in advance could make a vital difference during the “critical” early stages of a missing-person search, when every minute counts.

“It can be something as simple as that,” she told the meeting, highlighting the importance of identifying places and surroundings that bring a person comfort and familiarity.

Originally developed in the UK, the Herbert Protocol was named after George Herbert, a Normandy landings veteran who lived with dementia and went missing on several occasions.

Ms McManus Dulake said gathering this information in the midst of a crisis can be “difficult” for families, which is why she is keen to encourage people to “prepare well in advance”.

Her work to raise awareness of the protocol follows its deployment in the UK. Ms McManus Dulake emphasised the initiative is about “empowering” families.

The meeting also heard about the value of the Dementia Passport, another person-centred document that helps healthcare professionals understand an individual’s needs, preferences and personal circumstances.

Sometimes referred to as a patient communication passport or a ‘Getting to Know What Matters to Me’ document, it can accompany a person through hospital admissions and transitions between care settings, helping staff provide more personalised and compassionate care.

The proposal to promote the Herbert Protocol locally received broad support from members of the LCSP.

Independent councillor Brendan Fay seconded the motion, describing the initiative as a “great idea”, while chair John Paul Feeley also backed the proposed rollout.

Brendan Jennings, Director of Services with Cavan County Council, suggested engaging with established community networks, including the Age Friendly Alliance, to maximise awareness.

“We have many vehicles that can help get the message out,” he said.

Fine Gael councillor Carmel Brady also supported the proposal, suggesting a local working group could be established to help co-ordinate and advance the initiative ahead of a formal launch.