Herbert Protocol Northern Ireland: Wandering Prevention and Home Safety for Dementia

Approximately 70% of people living with dementia will go missing at least once. When it happens, every minute matters — and the police need information that a panicking family member may not be able to provide coherently. The Herbert Protocol exists to solve exactly this problem.

What the Herbert Protocol Is

The Herbert Protocol is a pre-completed form that you fill out now, while things are calm, and keep at home or in your parent's care plan. If your parent goes missing, you hand the form directly to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). It contains:

• A recent photograph
• Physical description (height, build, distinguishing features)
• Medical conditions and medications
• Daily routines and regular walking routes
• Significant places from their past — childhood home, former workplace, a favourite park — where they might instinctively head
• Contact details for family members and their GP

The PSNI, working with Dementia NI and the Department of Health, rolled out the Herbert Protocol across Northern Ireland in September 2022. Forms are available through the PSNI, local HSC Trusts, and dementia support organisations.

Fill the form out today. Do not wait until an emergency. Update the photograph every six months and revise the information if routines or medications change.

Safeguarding Wristbands and Technology

Some local councils have gone further. Ards and North Down Council launched a Dementia Safeguarding Initiative using NFC-enabled and QR-code wristbands and fobs. Members of the public or first responders can tap their phone against the wristband to access the person's key contact information and return them home safely.

Age Concern Causeway distributes similar safeguarding wristbands across the Causeway Coast and Glens area. Contact your local council or dementia support group to check availability in your area.

Other technology options for families managing wandering risk:

• Door sensors and alarms that alert you when an external door opens, particularly at night
• GPS tracking devices worn as a pendant or watch — some are designed specifically for dementia and can send location alerts to a carer's phone
• Keysafe boxes mounted outside the front door, giving emergency services access without forcing entry

Making the Home Safer

Wandering is the most dramatic safety risk, but everyday home hazards become serious when dementia is involved. A practical home safety audit should cover:

Kitchen: Remove or disable gas cookers if your parent forgets to turn them off (induction hobs are safer). Lock away cleaning products and sharp knives. Install automatic kettle shut-offs.

Bathroom: Fit grab rails beside the toilet and in the shower. Use non-slip mats. Set the hot water thermostat below 44°C to prevent scalds. Remove locks from bathroom doors so a confused person cannot lock themselves in.

Stairs and hallways: Ensure good lighting, especially at night. Fit stair gates if falls are a risk. Remove loose rugs and trailing cables.

Doors and windows: Fit locks that prevent unsupervised exit but can be opened quickly in a fire. Ensure window restrictors are in place on upper floors.

General: Remove or secure medications to prevent double-dosing. Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Consider a personal alarm or pendant that your parent can press to call for help.

The HSC Trust's occupational therapy service can conduct a formal home assessment and recommend adaptations, many of which can be funded through the Trust or local council grants.

When Home Is No Longer Safe

If wandering incidents become frequent, if your parent is leaving the house at night, or if you cannot manage the safety risks with the measures above, it may be time for a reassessment of their care package. The Trust can increase domiciliary care visits, arrange overnight sitting services, or recommend a move to a dementia-registered care home with a secure environment.

The Northern Ireland Dementia Care Guide includes a home safety checklist and a completed Herbert Protocol template you can adapt for your parent's details.

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