The MedicAlert Foundation was started in 1956 and has continued to provide life-saving services to those worldwide. What we all know of MedicAlert is wearing an ID bracelet which identifies your diagnoses and/or medications, but it goes far beyond this.
MedicAlert IDs are used to provide an immediate recognition of any medical conditions you may have; this can in include allergies, medications and treatments that you have agreed to. If you become unresponsive, medical personnel will be able to access your information quickly, which can help to prevent errors and allow responders to better assess and treat you, to sustain your life. If you have invoked a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order, MedicAlert can also make the responders aware.
Who would benefit from the protection of MedicAlert? If you or a loved one . . .
Have one or more medical diagnoses considered to be chronic
Live with life-threatening allergies or asthma
Care for a loved one with dementia or autism
Have an implanted medical device, or use any mobility aids
Lead an active lifestyle and want 24/7 protection
While medical alert systems offer potential benefits to people of all ages, they are of substantially great benefit to older adults. Prompt treatment can mean the difference between life and death. Worn around the neck or as a bracelet, MedicAlert IDs offer instant two way communication and around-the-clock monitoring. With the push of a button, help can be alerted and dispatched within moments without you or your loved one struggling to reach the phone, recall phone numbers or yell for help in emergent situations. Some MedicAlert systems offer an advanced functionality designed to detect high-impact falls and automatically call for help.
Many older adults fear falling and subsequently become less active physically, which leads to a decrease in mobility and balance. This makes them more at risk for debilitating falls. Using a medical alert system will help older adults feel more confident in their mobility and help them to remain as independent as they can be.
Additionally, medical alert systems can be invaluable to families and caregivers for those with dementia. In addition to 24/7 monitoring, many devices have built-in GPS capabilities. This can be a real lifeline for someone who wanders, and offer peace of mind for caregivers. MedicAlert offers 24/7 Wandering Support, and when a member is reported missing, will distribute a bulletin to local hospitals and law enforcement, while coordinating with family to safely return their loved one home.
Disclosure - MedicAlert is a brand and we are not endorsing a specific brand of medical alert system. Please talk with your care coordinator for additional information.