Gardaí initiative for people with dementia in Tipp

A register of people suffering with dementia and/or Alzheimer’s has been launched recently in the Tipperary Division.

Following an initial pilot in Nenagh District which received positive support from the community, An Garda Síochána – Tipperary have rolled it out at a divisional level. The initiative is aimed at carers of those who suffer with these conditions, whereby they can register the sufferers details with their local Gardaí so that in the event of an emergency these details can be accessed quickly to ensure the safe return of these people to their loved ones. Their details are captured through a prescribed form, which is then entered into a secure database where only designated Gardaí will have access to the information in an emergency. Our ethos is to assist people in our community who are living with and supporting those who have Dementia or Alzheimer’s. These situations become especially trying when that person wanders off or goes missing.

A sergeant appointed in each district will monitor this database. When a person living with Alzheimer’s or Dementia are reported missing, this database could provide vital information that investigating Garda can access.