The human body changes significantly with age. Over time, every system of the anatomy can be affected by the passage of time and various health problems, causing issues ranging from simple falls to severe strokes or cardiac events. Geriatric emergencies are very common for the simple reason that older people are more likely to develop illnesses and injuries than young people.
As we age, common complaints like chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, cognitive issues, weakness, and dizziness are more frequently due to serious underlying health conditions than they are in the young. The older the person, the more likely it is that they will require ambulance transport when an accident or serious illness occurs.
When these emergencies do occur, it is absolutely crucial for first responders to have access to essential medical information about the elderly person they are treating. They need to know if there are any underlying health problems or medications that might affect the short-term treatment plan. Every senior should wear an up-to-date medical ID to ensure that healthcare providers can get the information they need right away.
Why Is It Important for Seniors to Wear an ID?
Seniors are at risk for more serious health problems and injuries than young people and are more likely to experience a health emergency. Medical IDs are a safeguard, offering first responders critical information they can use to make the snap-second decisions that are crucial during an emergency call.
MedicAlert medical IDs are high-quality, stylish, and first responders are trained to recognize them. When paired with a MedicAlert membership, seniors are supported by our 24/7 emergency response service. First responders can call MedicAlert’s support team to gain access to medical records and to alert emergency contacts.
Exercise, IDs, and Independence: Why Exercise is Crucial for Seniors
Understandably, most elderly people value their independence. To stay independent, they must stay as healthy as possible, which involves getting exercise and fresh air. However, family members often worry when their loved ones are out and about, at risk of falling or experiencing some other kind of medical emergency.
A medical ID can help by keeping seniors safe as they enjoy their independence. They can get out of the house and get much-needed exercise, reducing their chances of health problems and keeping them safer in the process. Exercise for seniors may not seem like a big deal, but it significantly improves both mental and physical health!
Recommended Senior IDs
Today’s identification bracelets for seniors come in all shapes and sizes. MedicAlert, which has been manufacturing classic ID bracelets for decades, now offers a wide range of styles and options, including bracelets, necklaces, and watch bands for the Apple Watch. There are fine jewelry styles, silicone sport bands, and even shoe tags.
You or your loved one’s personal style and everyday lifestyle will help determine which product is the right choice. Some people don’t like the feeling of something on their wrist and prefer a necklace. Others appreciate MedicAlert’s sporty designs for their active lifestyles. The style you choose should reflect who you are—after all, every single ID product we sell is custom-engraved.
General Geriatrics and Emergencies
When an EMT arrives at the scene of an emergency, they have to quickly assess the situation and try to stabilize the person who is in danger. Older patients often have multiple underlying conditions and may take several medications. Medical IDs are key in helping first responders to take appropriate action.
Medical IDs can also help during geriatric emergencies when it comes to Advance Directives. Advance Directives (AD’s) are legally recognized instructions made by patients or their surrogates to direct the actions of health care providers. These directives inform providers of patients’ desires. Directives may ask providers NOT to initiate certain life-saving measures.
EMTs are frequently faced with the need to determine a person’s resuscitative status or their wishes for care when they are unable to speak for themselves. If the person cannot communicate or is disoriented, first responders must make a difficult decision quickly. A MedicAlert bracelet and membership can provide up-to-date AD information 24/7 and help responders understand the patient’s wishes when it matters the most.
Common Types of Senior Emergencies
Each emergency situation is unique. However, there are several types of emergencies that first responders often must handle when a senior is in trouble. Here are some of the most common:
Falls
Falls become increasingly more common the older a person gets. This is because people start to lose the ability to keep themselves upright for a variety of reasons. Stiffness from arthritis, nerve damage from diabetes, loss of strength from stroke or disease, or decreased vision due to cataracts can all be factors.
The scope of this problem is truly enormous. According to the CDC, one-third of all people above age 65 and half of all people above age 85 experience at least one fall each year. Falls account for the majority of traumatic injuries in the older population, followed by motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, violence, and burns.
Compared with young adults, elderly patients who fall are 10 times more likely to be hospitalized and eight times more likely to die as a result of the fall. Falls can also indicate serious underlying health issues.
Heart Attacks
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is obstructed. When the heart doesn’t get enough blood, damage to the organ occurs. Heart attacks are extremely serious medical emergencies and require immediate care. They are usually caused by coronary artery disease.
Strokes
Strokes are caused by blocked blood flow to the brain, often due to blood clots. If medical treatment is delayed, strokes can cause lasting damage to the affected part of the brain. It is absolutely essential for seniors to get help immediately after a stroke. Numbness, weakness, confusion, dizziness, trouble walking, and a severe, sudden headache are all symptoms.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia can be extremely dangerous for seniors. It is an infection of the lungs and can cause symptoms like chest pain, cough, fever, confusion, and more.
Mental Status
Elderly people with cognitive decline will sometimes wander off and get lost or even hurt. According to Alzheimer’s Association, 6 1in 10 people with dementia will wander. Alzheimer’s and dementia can make it difficult or impossible for a person to communicate effectively with first responders in case of an emergency. MedicAlert’s 24/7 Wandering Support helps ensure that wandering incidents have a posidrive outcome, by coordinating with local authorities to facilitate a safe return home. Caregivers of people with cognitive problems often choose to invest in a senior ID bracelet to help keep their loved ones safe.
Senior ID Bracelets are a Must
Wearing a senior citizen ID bracelet is a great idea for any older person with chronic conditions or multiple medications. This isn’t just for their own safety—it’s for those who love them, too. MedicAlert emergency bracelets for elderly members help everyone feel confident and safe that help is just a phone call away.
