Dementia can affect your day-to-day life in a variety of ways. Keeping fit and getting out and about is of benefit to your health.
Many people with dementia can find themselves with a strong urge to walk. The Social Care Institute for Excellence website has more information about when people with dementia walk.
Getting lost when out and about may be a concern for you or your loved ones. Often the fear of getting lost can hold people back from going out and continuing to enjoy the local community. If you are concerned that you may get lost there are steps you can take to reduce the risks when out and about.
Herbert Protocol
The Herbert Protocol is a document the police can use to help find you if you do get lost. It’s a form that is kept at home. It contains important information about your routines, habits, a description of you as well as your contact details and those involved in your care. It can be completed in advance.
Police Scotland’s leaflet Caring for someone with dementia? Worried they may go missing? (pdf) explains the Herbert Protocol.
The Herbert Protocol form is available on Police Scotland’s website.
Purple Alert
Purple Alert is an app for missing persons with dementia. It is intended to help safeguard people with dementia.
Dementia and driving
Getting a diagnosis of dementia does not always mean you have to stop driving. But there are steps you need to take to keep yourself and others safe if you keep driving.
Alzheimer Scotland’s information sheet Driving and dementia (pdf) explains everything you need to know.
Travelling with dementia
Whether it’s a short trip to visit a friend, or a family holiday overseas, there are a number of things which can be considered to help you have an enjoyable trip.
Alzheimer Scotland’s information sheet Travel and holidays (pdf) explains what you need to know about travelling if you have been diagnosed with dementia.
Local transport
The Transport to Healthcare Information Centre (THInC) provides advice on travelling to health or social care appointments in the NHS Grampian area. THInC can help with information on bus services, train times, dial-a-bus services, taxi companies with wheelchair-accessible vehicles and community transport.
Public transport information is available on Aberdeenshire Council’s website. It includes:
- bus information
- A2B Dial-a-bus
- community transport
- concessionary travel
A2B Dial-a-bus service
The A2B bus service can be used by anyone for travel if there’s no other suitable bus service in the area. If there’s an alternative public transport, A2B services are provided for older and disabled residents only. To find out if you qualify for this service, call the A2B dial-a-bus hotline on 01467 535 333.
Blue Badge Scheme
The Blue Badge scheme is a national scheme allowing people with severe mobility issues to park close to amenities they would otherwise have difficulty accessing. More information about the Blue Badge scheme, eligibility and how to apply is available on Aberdeenshire Council’s website.
Balmedie Beach wheelchairs
Balmedie Beach Wheelchairs is a free service providing a variety of beach wheelchairs. These can be hired, free of charge, by anyone with impaired mobility or any other disability that might prevent them enjoying the beach. The service is run by volunteers.