Dorset Police working in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society has established ‘Safe Havens’ (https://www.dorset.police.uk/news-information/article/728). Safe Havens are located in approved care homes, or day centres or GP practices. They are places where where someone who is living with dementia and other related conditions can temporarily go if they are confused in public and are unable to provide sufficient information to be taken home. Police officers or Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will escort the individual to the Safe Haven and ensure they receive the appropriate care from staff there. The officer will only leave when all parties agree that it is in the individual’s best interest to do so.
Acorn Lodge, Oakdene Care Home applied to Verwood and Three Legged Cross Dementia Friendly Community Association (VDFCA) for approval to be part of the Safe Havens scheme for 2016/17 and this was granted in November 2016. Approval is renewed on an annual basis. Janet Scammell, Chair of VDFCA thanked Steve Reading, Joint Home Manger and Grace Armson, Senior Care Assistant for supporting this initiative and helping to make Verwood and Three Legged Cross a dementia friendly community.
Janet Scammell, Chair of VDFCA presenting Steve Reading, Joint Home Manger and Grace Armson, Senior Care Assistant at Acorn Lodge with their Safe Haven Certificate