Medical IDs for the Elderly
Accidents and medical emergencies can happen to anyone—regardless of age. However, the elderly are considered an at risk population for accidents, with falls being the most common cause of injuries resulting in medical treatment or hospitalization. The elderly population is also susceptible to heart attacks, stroke, seizures, and confusion. While it is impossible to predict when an accident or any of these conditions will strike, you can take a number of steps to be prepared. One way to stay prepared for emergencies is to wear a medical ID.
A medical ID such as an alert necklace for the elderly or an elderly alert bracelet can ensure that first responders, ER doctors, and other emergency staff have quick access to your vital medical information in an accident or other medical emergency. This will ensure that you receive the safest, fastest, and most accurate treatment if you are unable to communicate with emergency response teams.
Even if you don’t have a condition, an alert necklace or bracelet for the elderly can help first responders quickly identify who you are and who to contact if you are in an accident or have another medical emergency.
Why should an elderly person wear a medical ID?
A medical ID such as an elderly alert necklace or elderly alert bracelet can help protect you if you are in an accident or have another medical emergency by quickly relaying vital medical information to first responders. This helps first responders and emergency response teams avoid medical errors, drug interactions, and delayed care. In addition, an emergency bracelet for the elderly provides an extra layer of security by providing wandering support and quick access to your physician and in case of emergency (ICE) contact information. Because a medical ID helps keep you safe 24/7, you will have peace of mind whether you are living independently at home or have a caregiver.
If you are a caregiver for a loved one, a medical ID can become an important part of your care plan. We understand that caregivers can’t be in all places at all times. An emergency bracelet for the elderly can help ensure that your loved ones name, ICE contacts, and vital medical information can be accessed quickly in case of wandering or other situations where you may not be available to communicate your loved ones information to first responders.
What medical ID is best for an elderly person?
The type of medical ID an elderly person chooses will depend on their own personal preference. Our MedicAlert IDs come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, and the front of each ID features our emblem, which is recognized by first responders around the world. Free custom engraving for all MedicAlert medical IDs is designed to protect and keep you safe if you are in an accident or have another medical emergency.
A MedicAlert ID can be a bracelet, necklace, ICE Tag, medical ID for Apple Watch, seat belt holder, shoe tag, Smart ID card, or wallet card.
Alert bracelets for the elderly come in classic, elegant, sporty, or practical styles, as well as a variety of metals, finishes, and emblem colors. Clasps are secure and our elderly alert bracelets provide quick and easy access to your most vital medical information and emergency contact information.
Alert necklaces for the elderly come in popular styles, such as the military dog tag, medallion, and the heart charm. MedicAlert has elderly alert necklaces in 10k and 14k gold, stainless steel, and sterling silver. Our alert necklaces for the elderly are also easy to wear. Simply slip over or off your head without having to deal fastening or adjusting your necklace.
ICE Tags (stickers) use proven QR code technology for quick access to your digital health record – anytime, anywhere. The stickers are highly visible and can be applied to your phone case, helmet, refrigerator door, or mobility aid. A quick scan from a smart phone camera opens up your detailed health profile. In an emergency, first responders can see your medical conditions, medications, allergies, and more.
Medical ID for Apple Watch is a stainless steel attachment that slides onto your existing Apple Watch silicon band. Perfect for active seniors, the Medical ID for Apple Watch is durable and waterproof, with enough space for any medical information that needs to be communicated to first responders in case of an accident or other medical emergency.
Seat Belt Holders are a clever way to capture the attention of first responders, whether you are driving or using a mobility aid such as a walker or wheelchair. With a bright red body and clear instruction: “MEDICAL INFO INSIDE,” a MedicAlert Seat Belt Holder attaches securely to your seat belt or mobility aid with an adjustable Velcro closure so it stays in place. A pocket on the reverse side can hold an ID card or document, enabling first responders to quickly access your vital medical information, emergency contacts, and any special needs you may not be able to communicate during an emergency.
Shoe Tag IDs are made with silicon loops that can be attached to shoes, watch bands, laptops, backpacks, purses, and more. This is a great option for individuals that can’t tolerate metal or those who prefer not to wear jewelry. Shoe tag IDs are also a top option for anyone prone to wandering, including people living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Smart ID Cards use proven QR code technology for quick access to your personal health information – anytime, anywhere. A quick scan from a smart phone camera opens up your detailed health profile, including medical conditions, allergies, medications, vaccinations, and more. The QR code is always up to date with the latest information in your MedicAlert health profile, ensuring the most accurate care.
Wallet Cards are fillable, folding cards that can store your MedicAlert ID number and current health information. The size of a credit card, a MedicAlert wallet card provides sections for you to write in your personal information, medical conditions, medications, allergies, ICE contacts, and more.
What conditions require a medical ID?
Medical IDs are for everyone, whether you have a condition that requires special care, or not. If you are in an accident or have another medical emergency, a MedicAlert medical ID can help first responders quickly identify who you are and notify your ICE contacts. A MedicAlert ID can also include your primary care physicians information, which can help provide access to any important medical information related to your care.
While medical IDs are for everyone, they are especially beneficial for individuals who may be living with medical conditions that require special care. Examples include allergies, bleeding disorders, chronic medical conditions, epilepsy, and neurological disorders.
Allergies to foods and medications can cause everything from hives and swelling to anaphylactic shock—a severe and life-threatening reaction that can block the airways and prevent breathing. A medical ID can help first responders and ER teams avoid anything you may be allergic to in order to treat you safely and even save your life.
Bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, can cause spontaneous bleeding and excessive bleeding following an injury or surgery. Knowing that a person is living with hemophilia and having quick access to their medical records can help first responders and ER doctors avoid serious medical mistakes during emergency treatment. It can also ensure that emergency response teams are prepared for treatments, such as blood transfusions.
Chronic medical conditions, such as heart disease, lupus, arthritis, stroke, and diabetes, require special treatment and medications. A medical ID such as an alert necklace for the elderly or elderly alert bracelet, can let first responders and emergency care teams know that you are living with a chronic condition that requires special care. This will ensure you receive the fastest and most appropriate treatment in an emergency.
Neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, autism, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease can affect everything from the way a person moves to the way they behave. A person living with epilepsy can have seizures. Conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can cause confusion and wandering. In all these cases, it is crucial to wear a medical ID. When first responders and emergency care teams understand that you have a condition, treatment delays and mistakes related to your care can be avoided.
For people living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, a MedicAlert medical ID can be your voice if you are lost (wandering from a safe environment) or confused during an accident or other medical emergency. A MedicAlert ID such as an alert bracelet for the elderly, has a secure clasp that resists tampering and breakage, so you can rest easy knowing that your medical ID will be with you when you need it.
If you have an implanted device, it’s very important to wear a medical ID. Implanted devices such as defibrillators, loop recorders, and stents require special care as certain activities could interfere with their functioning. A MedicAlert ID, such as an alert necklace for the elderly, can let emergency responders know that you have an implanted device, so special care can be taken to minimize interference with functioning. Implanted devices can also affect the types of tests ER doctors and staff can safely administer at the hospital.
How do you order a MedicAlert ID?
By now you should have a good idea about the types of medical IDs that will fit your lifestyle and needs. The next step is to simply visit MedicAlert IDs to select your medical ID, personalize it, and choose a protection plan. Our most popular plan is the Advantage Plus protection plan which provides:
- 24/7 emergency response team to relay vital information to first responders, ensuring accurate care.
- Designated physician and emergency contact notification.
- Digital health profile of all medical conditions, medications, surgeries, implanted devices, and other vital information – all in one place.
- Patient instructions.
- Personal document storage, such as treatment plans.
- Printable detailed profile for your medical appointments.
What should you engrave on a MedicAlert ID?
All MedicAlert IDs feature free custom engraving or a QR code encrypted with your vital medical information. Engraving should include any critical medical information that can protect and save your life if you are in an accident or experiencing another medical emergency. The elderly should include several key pieces of information on their MedicAlert ID. Examples include:
- Name.
- Medical Conditions.
- Medications.
- ICE contact information.
Accidents and medical emergencies can happen to anyone and at any time. With a MedicAlert ID, you can be prepared. Let our 24/7 response team be there for you when the unexpected happens. Order your MedicAlert ID today!
Sources: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA); BMJ Journals; CBS News; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); MayoClinic; National Council on Aging (NCOA).
