Herbert Protocol for dementia care

What is the Herbert Protocol?

People living with dementia may sometimes wander. This may only happen briefly, but there are times when someone can become lost and go missing.

If you are a carer, family member, or friend of a vulnerable person, you can complete a Herbert Protocol form. This form includes important details such as the person’s name, physical description, routine, and interests, which can help the police respond more quickly if they are reported missing.

The form can also be completed by someone in the early stages of dementia. It can be downloaded directly from the Merseyside Police website as a PDF.

Using the Herbert Protocol

• Keep the form in a safe but easy-to-access place in case the person goes missing.
• Give copies to trusted family members, friends, or neighbours.
• Update the information regularly if routines or health details change.
• Only share the form with the police if the person goes missing.
• Do not worry if you cannot answer every question. Provide as much information as you can.
• There is space at the end of the form for any extra details.
• If printing the form, you can add extra pages. If emailing it, include additional notes where needed.

Having a completed form can save valuable time and reduce stress if someone goes missing, helping the police begin their search more quickly.

Further information

Visit the Merseyside Police Herbert Protocol advice page for more information. Additional information about dementia can be found on the Alzheimer’s Society website or the Dementia UK website.