The scheme was launched at the beginning of this month at Grace Cares.
Locals 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 and is working with local social enterprise Grace Cares and dementia support organisations across the district 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 NFC (Near-Field Communication) technology. A smartphone can be tapped against the device to access information provided by the wearer or their carer, helping them to be identified and reunited safely with the people who support them. The technology is provided by safeguarding technology developer Lumiio.
The scheme was launched at the beginning of this month at Grace Cares, which is working with the council and local organisations including Alzheimer’s Society, Magnolia Friends and Dementia Support to get the devices directly to people living with dementia and their carers.
Councillor Richard Cox, Cabinet Member for Community and Public Protection, said that “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 of Grace Cares added that “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.
Devices 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.
The campaign will be delivered at these remaining sessions during September:
- 17 September, 11.30am-12.30pm, Burntwood Memorial Hall – Magnolia Friends
- 24 September, 11.30pm-12.30pm, Burntwood Memorial Hall – Magnolia Friends
- 30 September, 1.30pm-3pm, Holy Cross Church Community Room, Upper St John Street, Lichfield – Alzheimer’s Society
There will also be a drop-in session on 23 September, 1pm-2.30pm at Tesco Extra, Lichfield.
Further sessions will be announced.
Find out more about Find My Loved One, including how the devices work, at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/findmylovedone