Alternative IDs for Elderly People Who Don’t Want to Wear a Medical Bracelet
Many people diagnosed with chronic medical conditions need time to come to terms with the changes those conditions bring to their lives. It may take them a while to realize that health issues necessitate new ways of doing things. This includes the realization that they could benefit from wearing a medical ID or an alternative ID, adding an extra layer of protection that can help them maintain their independence and quality of life.
When you think about medical ID, a bracelet is probably the first thing that comes to mind. MedicAlert pioneered the introduction of medical ID over 65 years ago with… a bracelet. Since then, the category has developed to offer many other types of medical ID, both wearable and non-wearable. All the different options can make the choice more challenging, but they also ensure that there’s a type of medical ID for everyone.
Wearing a MedicAlert ID provides 24/7 emergency response service to ensure that whatever happens, wherever it happens, when help arrives, first responders get critical information to provide you with optimal treatment even if you’re unable to communicate. For someone with a chronic or preexisting condition, this could mean the difference between treatment that will help you and treatment that could harm you. Maybe the idea of that extra layer of protection appeals to you, but the thought of wearing something on your wrist all day, every day, does not. MedicAlert may have started with, and be best known for, medical ID bracelets, but there is now a full suite of alternative IDs to fit every lifestyle.
What are the other types of Medical IDs?
Beyond bracelets, there’s a world of other options for medical ID, and as technology evolves, so does the list of options. Traditional IDs are wearable jewelry, with bracelets and necklaces as the most popular types. But jewelry is not for everyone. Younger children and children with autism or sensory disorders can have a problem with an ever-present bracelet; so can elderly adults with dementia or other cognitive challenges. Here are some alternatives:
Necklaces: Medical ID necklaces can range from utilitarian to fashion-forward, and there are style options available for men, women, and children. Like bracelets, necklaces can be made from a number of different materials or combinations of materials, such as stainless steel, sterling silver, gold, or platinum. MedicAlert necklaces come in a variety of chain and emblem styles, and also offer different color options for the engraving.
Medical IDs for Apple Watches: Apple Watches have become popular among all age groups, and since they are such an easily-accessible resource for all kinds of information, MedicAlert developed ID specifically for them, as an alternative to traditional ID jewelry. Although they are considered wearable, these attachable tags slide onto the silicone band of an Apple Watch, so they don’t require the addition of an entirely new piece of jewelry. The engravable tags are made of water- and rust-proof stainless steel, designed to attach securely to Apple Watch bands. They are available in multiple colors and several size options for compatibility with different sizes of Apple Watches.
Smart IDs: If bracelets and necklaces are the analog versions of medical ID, Smart IDs bring medical ID into the digital age. MedicAlert’s Smart IDs are available in two forms: Smart Medical ID Cards and MedicAlert ICE Tags. Both options use proven, scannable QR code technology for fast, easy access to your full health profile. Scanning the unique QR code on either type of Smart ID with a smartphone camera opens up critical information, including medical conditions, allergies, medications, vaccinations, and more.
MedicAlert’s Smart Medical ID Card is credit card-sized and easily carried with you in a wallet or pocket. MedicAlert ICE Tags come in a set of four durable vinyl stickers that adhere securely to any hard surface – think cellphone cases, bicycle or motorcycle helmets, and mobility aids – typical objects that travel with you. Each set of four tags has a unique QR code for one person, so they can be attached to multiple objects. Additional users would need their own individual set of sticker tags.
The portability and scope of personal medical information they provide make Smart IDs a great alternative to traditional jewelry and wearable IDs, not just in emergency situations, but also for doctor visits, home healthcare providers, or for access by other caregivers. Because they are digitally linked to your MedicAlert full profile, your information is automatically updated with any changes to your profile.
Shoe Tags, Wallet Cards, Seatbelt ID Holders: These medical ID variations are perfect for individuals for whom any wearable ID is not a good option, such as very young children and seniors with strength limitations or cognitive issues. MedicAlert Shoe Tags are engravable and available in two different designs for easy and secure attachment to lace-up and other types of shoes. If digital tech is too high-tech for the user, MedicAlert Fillable Wallet Cards are the manual alternative to Smart ID cards. Personal medical information and MedicAlert ID numbers are written by the owner or caregiver into the foldable card and must be physically updated when information changes. Like Smart ID cards, Fillable Wallet Cards are credit card-sized for portability, but unlike Smart IDs, the information is not digitally linked to a health profile.
Seatbelt ID Holders are another type of non-wearable, non-digital medical ID. They offer the same benefits as shoe tags but are much more versatile. Although they’re called seatbelt holders, they can be securely attached not only to seatbelts, but to backpack straps, handbags, child car seats, bike frames, or mobility aids, like a walker or wheelchair. They attach firmly to any of these with a secure, adjustable Velcro closure.
MedicAlert Seatbelt ID Holders are a highly visible, bright-red color with the words “Medical Info Inside” in large letters on the front and a back pocket that holds an ID card or other medical document, such as a vaccination card. Either one of MedicAlert’s Medical ID cards (Smart or traditional) fits right into the pocket of the seatbelt holder, giving users the best of both digital and non-wearable ID styles. If you or someone you care for is a senior who could benefit from the protection of MedicAlert ID but is reluctant to wear it, the seatbelt holder is a great alternative.
Do first responders look for medical IDs other than bracelets?
The short answer is… YES! MedicAlert Foundation provides training to first responders to instruct them in how to look for, recognize, and utilize all different types of medical ID, wearable or not.
When they initially arrive at the scene of an emergency, first responders know to look not just for ID bracelets, but also for all the other types of medical ID discussed above. Once they find and identify a MedicAlert ID, they will read the engraved information or scan the QR code on it to quickly access critical data. Then, they will immediately contact our 24/7 emergency response service, using your unique ID number, to obtain a full medical profile. MedicAlert’s 24/7 emergency response team will relay your complete medical history to those providing medical treatment — EMS, doctors, nurses and other emergency professionals – so you’ll receive fast, accurate care, the moment you need it.
If I have a MedicAlert ID, do I also need a protection plan?
You aren’t required to get a MedicAlert protection plan when you purchase a personalized medical ID, but in many ways you are shortchanging yourself if you don’t. A protection plan offers lifesaving benefits far beyond the ID itself. Any one of MedicAlert’s three plan levels is needed to generate your individual MedicAlert ID number, which Is what unlocks your detailed digital health profile and support from our 24/7 emergency response service to relay that information to first responders.
If you are a senior citizen who has any existing medical conditions, or if you provide care to one, each of the following MedicAlert Protection Plan levels adds benefits that help enhance your safety and peace of mind:
- Basic Plan: All three plan levels include the core benefits of a personalized ID and digital health profile, and MedicAlert’s 24/7 emergency response service, ensuring that your critical health information – allergies, medications, pre-existing conditions, surgeries and implants, and your full vaccination history – is all in one place. In any emergency, first responders will be given your complete medical information to help you receive fast and accurate care.
- Advantage Plan: Includes the above benefits plus emergency contact notification and 24/7 wandering support service. With emergency contact information available you don’t have to worry that you or someone you love will be alone in a critical situation.
- Advantage Plus Plan: Includes the benefits in the first two levels plus advance directives/DNR, document storage, and emergency physician notification.
Any one of these three protection plans, when paired with a MedicAlert ID, ensures the ultimate protection, but added benefits like the Wandering Support Service and advance directives/DNR can be especially beneficial for elderly adults with dementia or who live alone. It is also important to note that having a protection plan in addition to an ID is necessary for digital Smart ID types in order to keep medical profile information updated at all times.
For senior citizens or anyone managing a chronic medical condition there are many changes and adjustments that can negatively impact quality of life and curtail independence and activity. Having a medical ID – any type of medical ID – is a great way to minimize the impact on your lifestyle by making your medical needs known when and if you are unable to communicate them yourself. If you’re a caregiver for a senior with Alzheimer’s or dementia who wanders from safety, their ID will help get them quickly and safely back to your care. And if your elderly parent has any kind of emergency, they don’t necessarily need to wear a bracelet to make sure they will receive the best possible care – care that might ultimately save their life.
For senior citizens or anyone managing a chronic medical condition there are many changes and adjustments that can negatively impact quality of life and curtail independence and activity. Having a medical ID – any type of medical ID – is a great way to minimize the impact on your lifestyle by making your medical needs known when and if you are unable to communicate them yourself. If you’re a caregiver for a senior with Alzheimer’s or dementia who wanders from safety, their ID will help get them quickly and safely back to your care. And if your elderly parent has any kind of emergency, they don’t necessarily need to wear a bracelet to make sure they will receive the best possible care – care that might ultimately save their life.
