Before I start to mention why a medical alert ID bracelet for elderly is important and for what reasons, I will start with a fact about emergency responders.
Medical emergency responders are trained to look for any medical identification and for 95% of them that is the first things they do.
They are looking for any medical piece of information around someone’s wrist or neck. That is also why I advise you not to wear one around your ankle. As nice as it might look this is not where they look.
For any first responder, it is of vital importance to find the medical conditions after ar
Wearing a medical ID alert bracelet will let them know immediately if there is a treatment you need or a treatment they should not give you.
6/28/19 Update: I have found a great online store that sells beautiful and functional Medical ID bracelets. The name is Lauren’s Hope Medical ID Jewelry click on the link to see them!
Medical ID bracelets have a triple purpose
Medical alert IDs offer more than just medical information. In my opinion, they have 3 purposes.
- Medical information
- Fashionable piece of jewelry
- Emergency contact information
Who Should Wear A Medical ID?
There are a few categories of i
Chronic Medical conditions
There are a number of chronic diseases that can prevent the patient from providing information in case of an emergency.
- Asthma
- Bleeding disorders
- Epilepsy
- Down syndrom
- Heart patients
- Kidney failure
- Seizure disorder
Allergies
There are more and more people who suffer from allergies and it can be life-threatening if the first responders do not know that. Examples of allergies are:
- Bee stings
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Latex
- Penicillin
- Shellfish
Mental health
Mental health can not be seen on the outside in many cases. That is why I included this group. Examples of Mental illnesses are:
- Autism
- Alzheimer’s
- Dementia
Medication
It makes sense that all your current medication should be included in your medical bracelet. Here are some medicines you should include.
- Blood thinner
- Epipen
- Heart medicine
- Insulin
Care givers should wear an medical ID bracelet
Maybe this sounds strange but as a caregiver, there are people relying on you. If something happens to you they should be alerted. By wearing one you will ensure that the one you are caring for will be warned and maybe another emergency contact can make sure they are okay.
How To Choose The Best Medical ID For You
Since you are basically wearing this bracelet all day and night it is important to choose the right one.
Here are tips to find the right medical ID bracelet for you.
Wrist or Neck W ear
Most paramedics look at your wrist first and then they look around your neck.
This makes it the preferred place to wear your Id and like I mentioned before an ankle bracelet, although maybe very fashionable is not the best place to wear one.
Must Fit Perfect
The fit has to be perfect to prevent you from losing your device. Measure your wrist skintight between your wrist bone and your hand.
Most producers of bracelets will automatically add a little space for comfortable wear.
It is also important for some types of patients to make it non-removable.
Fashionable and Right Material
The material is of course very important. You will wear it day and night and you never know when an emergency will take place.
Stainless steel is the best option when it comes to everyday wear and rugged circumstances like work.
I can, however, imagine that for a night out or if you work in an office
Proven Technology
Lately, I see medical IDs with a USB stick and although they can contain a lot of information an emergency responder does not have the time or the equipment to use this type of ID.
The same goes for cell phones. Very handy, but in case of an emergency, they can get lost or broken. That makes them useless.
More Tips about Medical Alert Bracelets
Talk to your doctor if he has an opinion about what should be included on your medical Id bracelet. Make sure that the bracelet fits and you can not lose it. Spend a few dollars more on quality since it can save your life.
There is a lot more to tell about medical alert ID bracelets for the elderly and seniors and I will probably do that in another post.
Eddie Vandam
Eddie Vandam, the voice behind the Senior Citizen Website, is a retired internet marketer and proud senior. With a passion for helping fellow seniors navigate the complexities of aging, Eddie shares his insights on health, independence, products, and enriching hobbies. He’s committed to making senior years both fulfilling and enjoyable. Read more about Eddie Vandam.