Support for scheme to help search for missing dementia patients

An initiative launched to help search for dementia patients who go missing in Northamptonshire has received significant support in the area.

More than 260 people have signed up to the Neighbourhood Return scheme since it launched on Friday (February 15th), the Northampton Chronicle reports.

Funded by the lottery, the idea behind the campaign is to register carers of patients with dementia and then recruit people who will volunteer to help look for them if they go missing.

Deborah Ginns, who runs the project, explained it started as an extension of the traditional Neighbourhood Watch schemes.

Volunteers are simply asked to provide a mobile phone number and ensure the device is regularly charged, so they can be contacted quickly.

"Some people may register and never get a phone call but if you do you can possibly save someone's life," Ms Ginns stated.

She explained the initiative helps carers to feel "they have a community around them", which could result in patients being able to stay in their homes for longer.

Find out more about dementia care and support services at Barchester homes.