Kick off MedicAlert Awareness Month in August by learning about their programs. Safe Return is one that people often hear of. What is the Safe Return program?
Meet MedicAlert
MedicAlert is an organization that’s been storing and sharing critical medical information in emergencies. You buy MedicAlert pendants or bracelets that are engraved with your vital information. It might be that you’re a diabetic or that you have an allergy to penicillin. With more than 50 years of experience, the non-profit organization has helped many first responders get answers to pressing questions.
If something happens, emergency personnel can use the information on the MedicAlert item to call for more information. Calling the nationwide 24-hour support line puts them in touch with all the information they need for contacts, medical information, and allergies.
Safe Return is a program created by the Alzheimer’s Association and MedicAlert. It’s designed to help get people with dementia home safely if they wander.
When a parent has dementia, it’s stressful. It can be scary, but you can’t let that overwhelm you. If you’re providing the care to an aging parent with dementia, make sure you take breaks. You need to call a senior care agency and ask about respite care.
Help With a Family Member’s Recovery With Safe Return
Safe Return requires a yearly membership fee. For that fee, you get a bracelet or necklace for your parent to wear. If your mom or dad is a member and wanders, you call the 24-hour emergency line. A network of community members is dispatched to help locate your parent and reunite you.
If someone finds your mom or dad, they can call the number to report where your parent is. Emergency personnel has access to medical information that is vital to your parent’s care.
There’s another aspect to Safe Return that’s helpful if you’re a family caregiver. If you’re out and something happens to you, you can pay for a discounted caregiver membership. Emergency responders will see you are caring for someone with dementia and make sure your mom or dad is not alone while you’re taken to the hospital.
Don’t Ignore the Benefits of Respite Care
Respite care is a senior care service that provides coverage while a usual caregiver takes a break. You might hire a caregiver while you go shopping, out with friends, or take a bubble bath. Learn more about respite care today.