Helping lost persons with dementia reunite with their families faster
From December 2024, CARA users can access the Dementia Go-To Point Locator, a new feature designed in the CARA App to make it easier to help persons with dementia who appear lost. With this feature, CARA users can quickly identify the nearest Dementia Go-To Points (GTPs) and guide these individuals to these safe return locations for assistance.
What are Dementia GTPs?
Dementia GTPs are located on the premises of organisations which support the #DementiaFriendlySG movement. These community nodes support persons living with dementia and their caregivers by serving as safe return points where members of the public can bring lost seniors or persons living with dementia to be reunited with their loved ones.
Staff at Dementia GTPs are trained to provide:
Support in identifying the lost individual.
Assistance in contacting their caregiver.
Educational resources and information on dementia for the community.
By leveraging these Dementia GTPs, we strengthen the safety net for persons with dementia while fostering a more supportive community.
CARA App Enhancements
The Dementia Go-To Point Locator complements CARA’s existing Safe Return feature, which allows anyone to scan the QR code on a CARA physical card and contact the caregiver of a person living with dementia. Together, these features provide families with greater reassurance and individuals with dementia a safer experience in public spaces.
To learn how to use the new Dementia Go-To Point Locator, click here. To read the media release, click here.
Hear from our CARA members
The new Dementia Go-To Point Locator on the CARA app is a tremendous relief for caregivers like me, particularly as I look after my dad, who has vascular dementia. This feature gives me hope and confidence, knowing that our community can step in and lend a helping hand if my dad ever becomes lost or disoriented. This expanded network of support not only brings me peace of mind but also ensures that my dad can be safely reunited with our family.
My loved one with dementia always carries his physical CARA card in his pocket. Knowing that the public can play a role in ensuring his safe return gives me immense peace of mind. CARA features like ‘Safe Return’ and the ‘Dementia Go-To-Point Locator’ work hand-in-hand to provide a vital safety net, giving caregivers like us greater confidence in managing such unforeseen situations.
