UK Police Introduce Bluetooth Tile Trackers To Safeguard Dementia Patients

Avon and Somerset Police has launched a new Bluetooth Tile device as part of its Dementia Safeguarding Scheme, offering enhanced protection for more than 1,600 people living with dementia.

The introduction of the Bluetooth-enabled Tile device is the latest innovation in Avon and Somerset Police’s Dementia Safeguarding Scheme, which has been safeguarding individuals living with dementia since its inception in 2015.

This new device, supported by Life360, aims to provide family members and carers with a discreet way to track the location of vulnerable individuals, offering peace of mind and swift response in emergencies.

The Tile trackers work by leveraging Life360’s global network, which connects over 76 million smartphones worldwide. This network creates a ‘location effect’ that allows carers and family members to pinpoint the wearer’s location if they go missing.

Importantly, the device ensures privacy, with location data visible only to authorised family or carers, ensuring sensitive information is kept secure. A key feature of the Tile device is its QR code functionality. When scanned, the code on the back of the device connects the wearer to their next of kin or carer via phone or text.

This contact information is securely stored during the device registration process within the Tile app, making it easy for emergency contacts to reach out quickly if the wearer needs assistance.

In terms of ease of use, the Tile device requires no maintenance beyond its initial setup, and the battery lasts for up to three years without needing to be recharged, making it a low-effort solution for long-term safeguarding.

The Dementia Safeguarding Scheme, founded by Inspector Stuart King in response to a rise in missing person incidents involving individuals with dementia, has been at the forefront of protecting vulnerable people.

The scheme incorporates the Herbert Protocol, which allows carers and families to upload crucial information about their loved ones to the Avon and Somerset Police website. This data can be accessed instantly by officers in case a person goes missing, significantly reducing search times and helping prevent harm.

Inspector Stuart King commented, “The introduction of Bluetooth-enabled devices from Life360 and Tile is a significant step forward in safeguarding those living with dementia.’’

“These discreet and user-friendly devices not only offer reassurance to families but can be a critical tool in emergency situations, enabling quick response and timely assistance,’’ he added.

Since its launch, the scheme has issued thousands of Near-Field Communication (NFC) wristbands and tags, thanks to donations from organisations such as Bristol Water, Wessex Water, and the Bristol Dementia Action Alliance.

These NFC devices store vital information, which can be accessed by emergency responders or the public via a smartphone. All of the devices, including the new Tile trackers, are offered free of charge to people living with dementia in Avon and Somerset.

The scheme’s success has garnered numerous national and international awards, including recognitions from the Alzheimer’s Society and the RFID technology industry. Independent studies have shown the scheme has reduced missing incidents by over 80%.

For more information or to register for the scheme, visit the Avon and Somerset Police website.