LOCAL people living with dementia and their carers are being offered free access to a new scheme designed to provide reassurance and help people get home safely if they become lost or confused.
Lichfield District Council has funded 2,000 Find My Loved One devices.
The authority is working with local social enterprise Grace Cares and dementia organisations across the area including Alzheimer's Society, Magnolia Friends and Dementia Support to make them available free of charge to residents who may benefit.
The simple identification devices can help a member of the public or the emergency services contact a person's loved one or carer if they find someone who appears lost or confused.
Available as a wristband, a keyfob worn on a lanyard or hang tag, each device uses Near-Field Communication technology. A smartphone can be tapped against the device to access information provided by the wearer or their carer.
Cllr Richard Cox, cabinet member for community and public protection, said:
"For someone living with dementia, becoming lost or confused can be frightening and distressing – both for them and for the people who care for them.
"We want people living with dementia to be able to remain active and independent in their communities, while giving their families and carers some additional reassurance.
"That is why we have funded 2,000 of these devices and are working with Grace Cares and our local dementia support organisations to make sure they reach the people who can benefit from them.
"It's a really positive example of organisations across Lichfield District working together to provide simple, practical support for local people and their families."
Emma Smith, from Grace Cares, said:
"We're really pleased to be working with Lichfield District Council and our local dementia support organisations to make Find My Loved One available to people across the district.
"For families and carers, the thought of someone they love becoming lost or confused can be incredibly frightening. This is a simple piece of technology, but it can provide an important extra layer of reassurance and, most importantly, help someone get safely back to the people who care for them.
"We're proud to be part of a scheme that is practical, accessible and could make a real difference to local families."
The free Find My Loved One devices are available to Lichfield District residents living with dementia and other related conditions.
Residents, family members and carers can find out more and access a device at a series of sessions taking place across the district during September.
They are also available directly from Grace Cares, Unit 2, The Portal, Elmhurst Business Park, Elmhurst, Lichfield, WS13 8EX, Monday to Friday between 10am and 3pm.
Other sessions take place on:
- 9th September, 12pm-1pm at Elford Village Hall
- 17th September, 11.30am-12.30pm at Burntwood Memorial Hall
- 24th September, 11.30am-12.30pm at Burntwood Memorial Hall
- 30th September, 1.30pm-3pm at Holy Cross Church Community Room
There will also be a drop-in session from 1pm-2.30pm on 23rd September at Tesco Extra.
For more details on the devices, visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/findmylovedone.
