medical bracelet

LaurenB

I'm about to purchase a medical alert bracelet for my Mom.  She is in the moderate stages and went out for a walk alone the other day and couldn't find her way home.  I've got my stepdad on board with a bracelet, but am looking for phrases to use with her when I present her with the idea.  Thanks in advance!

Beachfan

Sorry, I have no advice on how to introduce a medical bracelet to your mom, but here’s some food for thought in choosing one. 

I have a beautiful medical bracelet from “Lauren’s Hope”.  (Not Alz. related) They have a large assortment to choose from, they are sturdy, but they are pricey.  Unfortunately, I ended up in the ER several weeks ago, not a serious medical issue and conscious and alert upon admission.  One of the nurses admired my “bracelet”; she was surprised to learn it was a Medic alert bracelet.  Not entirely sure how effective it would have been if my life was in danger.

Birdies

Hi Lauren,

I ordered an ID bracelet through American Medial ID.  I purchased a bracelet with the plastic stretchy band.  

Engraved on the front of the name plate:

Full name

Alzheimer’s (or dementia)

My Dad’s phone #

Engraved on the back of the name plate:

Their home address.

Hope this helps.

LaurenB

Thanks Beachfan and Birdies.  Several that I looked at were on the Laurenshope site and several on the American Medical ID.  I've narrowed it down to ones that can tolerate being in the water as she is independent with bathing and loves to garden.  My fear with the stretchy one is that she will take it off and it will be useless sitting at home.  With the clasp bracelets, they are harder to remove by yourself and more likely to stay on.  Any additional input is greatly appreciated.

M1

Lauren I learned here that it's a good idea for the primary caregiver (like Beachfan) to also have one, identifying them as a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's so that your pwd doesn't get stranded accidentally. Just a thought while you're in the market.

LaurenB

M1  I like this idea, but I have a better chance of getting to be the first human to visit Mars than getting the POA to wear a bracelet.

CharGo

I second the Laurens Hope bracelets! 

I got one for my mom when she first got a pacemaker because she was having trouble remembering to bring her wallet places and would misplace her pacemaker information card a lot. 

They have beautiful bracelets and they make many of them with the ability to take the main engraved id charm and put it on to different bracelet bands. I got my mom two different chains/bands so that I could make it sort of like a fashion choice rather than a medical emergency tool. 

I find, with my mom in particular, that making things more fun and visually appealing makes her more inclined to accept new devices. 

Marta

This is not what you asked, but if she cannot find her way home, should she be out walking alone, at all?

LakerMom

Hello! 

I haven't been on this board in a couple years, but decided to check in today.

I went back to the "olden-golden day's" for my parents.  I got them each "calling cards!".  I ordered pretty business cards from VistaPrint.  I put their name/my phone number on front (they didn't remember their own number).  On the back I put "In case of emergency call...." with my name/number and my sisters name/number. 

I put multiple cards in their purse/wallet (in multiple slots/pockets).  I also put those cards in the pocket of every jacket, coat, hat brim, taped the to my Dad's cane, my mom's walker, etc. etc. etc. I gave them each a stack to hand out to their "friends". 

My Dad did end up in the emergency room on his own at one point (fell when he wandered out for a walk...prior to his time in memory care).  The DR from the ER called me and said "we found a bunch of these cards on him......brilliant."

Arrowhead

I bought one for my wife that had ALZHEIMER'S on the front and she didn't like it. She slipped it over her hand. Twice I had a jeweler remove links, but she still manage to work it off. I gave up. So, if you get one, get it sized so she can't slip it off.

Marta

I agree those cards are brilliant. 

If, however, those cards are necessary, at all, is it safe for a PWD to be out alone?