Our History Supporting Dementia Safeguarding Initiatives

Committed to Developing Safeguarding

From our inception, Lumiio has been committed to helping protect vulnerable people. Through our sister company Seritag the team worked with dementia safeguarding initiatives for over a decade prior to launching Lumiio. 

Across our work supporting dementia safeguarding schemes with wearable, NFC-powered IDs, we have always centred our mission on creating better safeguarding technology. When safeguarding fits seamlessly into everyday lives, protection and support become second nature, and communities are safer for those who need it most.

What We’ve Done

After a decade of providing NFC-powered safeguarding technology, we’ve seen just how effective our products can be.

With Lumiio, safety is just a tap away. Our smart, wearable IDs make essential information securely and easily accessible. By breaking down barriers to information, Lumiio products reduce pressure on emergency services and encourage community support. We’ve also seen how our wearable IDs empower vulnerable individuals to live more independently while providing reassurance to their loved ones and carers.

After this successful decade, one crucial issue emerged- inconsistency. Although our many partnerships succeeded on a local level, the slight differences in product design and usability meant that awareness across projects and nationwide was low. That’s why we launched Lumiio.

Despite this, we still believe our previous partnerships with safeguarding initiatives greatly benefited their communities. Lumiio grew out of these positive outcomes, and we use our knowledge from these as the framework for our work ongoing. 

“It really is as simple as scanning the tag with your phone, but the positive outcome for that person and their families is immeasurable.”- Dover Council Cllr Charlotte Zosseder

Peace of Mind to Carers and Loved Ones

When an individual is at risk of becoming lost, confused, or other emergencies, like an allergic reaction, it can cause immense worry and fear for their loved ones and carers.

Our sister company Seritag’s work with Bedfordshire Police demonstrated the desire for technology to reassure worries about a vulnerable loved one's safety. While discussing the partnership, Nicky Burns, the Bedfordshire Police’s Mental Health Hub Manager, spoke of the force's hope that our NFC powered devices would provide "more peace of mind" for the family members of those with dementia.

This sentiment was echoed by PCSO Jess Brown, leader of Durham Constabulary's dementia wristband initiative, who stated "The wristbands offer peace of mind for everyone.” PCSO Brown particularly highlighted how access to emergency contacts through the wristbands allows for “quick communication if needed."

Empowered Independence 

For those living with memory or communication issues, retaining their independence can be challenging. Individuals concern about feeling confused, distressed, or too disoriented to return home safely often results in choosing to stay inside and losing self-reliance.

Our work with Durham Police Constabulary illustrated the empowering nature of wearing a safeguarding ID, with PCSO Jess Brown stating, "For the wearer, knowing they have a safeguard in place allows for greater confidence and freedom in their movements.”

Equally, the push for councils to become Dementia Friendly also encourages independence. Speaking about our safeguarding partnership, Councillor Alistair Cathcart from Ards & North Down Council said that "by introducing these simple but effective tools, we are empowering people living with dementia to remain independent, whilst ensuring that they are supported by their community."

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick echoed this in a statement saying “We’re proud to take another important step towards becoming a Dementia Friendly Borough. The Dementia Safeguarding Scheme offers reassurance for families and caregivers, while giving individuals living with dementia greater independence and security in their daily lives.”

Reduced Strain on Emergency Services

Our emergency services are the frontline of defence for vulnerable individuals who wander, become distressed, or unwell in public. In these high-risk scenarios, every second counts. And yet, everyday valuable time is lost attempting to gather essential information before they can provide help. This issue is exacerbated for those living with memory loss, confusion, or communication difficulties.

Our work providing NFC-powered wearables reduced this strain by making access to essential information just a tap away.

This is particularly important for those with dementia, as Cambridgeshire Police Detective Chief Inspector Dave Savill emphasised “It is crucial that people living with dementia can get to a place of safety and security, with friends or family, as quickly as possible. These wristbands will help to achieve that and reduce the demand on emergency services.”

Improved Reunification Time

When a potentially vulnerable individual wanders or becomes lost they can be at great risk of harm. This risk is even greater for those with dementia, a risk that increases exponentially the longer they are missing for.

As South Yorkshire Police Chief Inspector Kay Fitzgerald discussed in reference to our safeguarding partnership, “time really is of the essence” in all missing persons cases, but when an individual with dementia goes missing "there is an added layer of vulnerability.”

Lincolnshire Police’s PCC Marc Jones’ spoke in a similar vein, “It is crucial that people living with dementia can get to a place of safety and security, with friends or family, as quickly as possible. These wristbands will achieve that.”

Increased Community Support

Living with the risk of becoming confused, disoriented, or suddenly seriously unwell can make individuals feel unsafe in public spaces, which often results in becoming isolated from local community.

This self-isolation is particularly common for those living with dementia, as Laura Burwinkel, Dementia & Me co-ordinator for the Dover area, said “The sad reality is lots of clients were scared to go out and so they stayed inside most of the day, which led to social isolation, lack of exercise and a decrease in wellbeing.”

However, through our partnership with Dover Council and the Dementia & Me Charity, vulnerable individuals felt safer and more supported. Speaking about the partnership, Laura Burwinkel went on to say, “The dementia tag encourages people living with dementia to be out and about knowing that their community can help them, should they need support.”

Individually Tailored Assistance

In moments of confusion or crisis, providing care and support that is tailored to that person’s specific needs is crucial. The essential information stored on our wearable IDs enables identification and gives instant access to exactly how to help, including what may upset or trigger the individual, and how best to make them feel safe.

Providing this individually tailored assistance was the cornerstone of our Neurodivergence ID wristbands partnership with Devon & Cornwall Police. For individuals with neurodivergence, emergency scenarios “can sometimes be overwhelming,” as PC John Holland stated, “The wristbands are about putting the person at the centre of our response so we can make sure our communication and care is appropriate from the very first moment.”

So, What Now?

As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the mission of Lumiio is to create a unified brand for NFC-powered, wearable safeguarding IDs.

Find out more about Lumiio and view our specialised Dementia Collection products.

Want to Partner with Lumiio?

View our partnerships page for more information, or get in touch!