Care worker praised by police for supporting lost and vulnerable pensioner in Jarrow

Kayleigh Navi, 31, spotted an 80-year-old man wandering the streets of Jarrow late at night, and noticed he was in a confused state.

Worried for his welfare, Kayleigh, who works with the elderly as a care worker in South Tyneside, then rang Northumbria Police on 101 to lead officers to his location.

It was then revealed that the pensioner, who has dementia, left his home address three hours earlier but had got lost.

With no phone and his wife recovering from an operation, he found himself alone and confused on Wednesday, January 22.

Police then returned the man home and reunited him with his family.

Kayleigh was invited into Millbank Police Station to be presented with a Commander’s Compliment by Chief Superintendent Sarah Pitt as a gesture of thanks.

Speaking at the event on Monday, February 3 Chief Supt Pitt said: “This could have so easily had a different outcome.

“This was a vulnerable man who had got lost and didn’t know his way home. It was late at night, there was hardly anybody around and it was dark – the temperatures were dropping.

“Kayleigh could have ignored what she saw, assumed the man was fine and carried on.”

Care worker Kayleigh was modest upon receiving the commendation – and added that she just did what “anybody would have done”.

“I’m just pleased that the gentleman has returned home safe and well,” she said.

“I work with elderly people through my job, and seeing him walking alone at half-ten at night – it just didn’t seem right.

“That’s why I contacted police and I’m really pleased that this had a positive outcome.

“I did what anybody would have done – but I’m very grateful to receive this commendation”.

Anybody who knows a loved one living with dementia is encouraged to sign up to the force’s Herbert Protocol.

The initiative requires the family, friends or carers of people with dementia to fill out a form that can assist police if their loved one ever goes missing.

It means officers searching for a vulnerable person will have quick access to a photograph, their routine and other information that could help find them.

Chief Supt Pitt added: “Dementia is a complex condition which can affect people in so many different ways – and this case reinforces an important message.

“We all live busy lives but should try to be more aware of those around us, especially those who look particularly vulnerable, and check they are OK.

“Kayleigh’s actions resonated with my officers and she richly deserves this recognition.

“We all have loved ones and this could have been anybody – your grandma or granddad, mum or dad.

“She should be very proud of her actions and I know the public will share my thanks to her after going above and beyond.”