Canadian MedicAlert Foundation and the Alzheimer Society of Canada have joined forces to help bring people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias Safely Home
As officials with the Society point out, summer is a time for vacations and spending more time outdoors, but it’s also a time to be extra vigilant if you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia.
The fact is people with dementia can become lost, often without warning, and have no idea how to get home. For this reason, the Canadian MedicAlert Foundation and the Alzheimer Society of Canada have come together to launch the MedicAlert® Safely Home® program.
The program is designed to quickly identify those who are lost and assist in a safe return home.
“This new program is an essential resource for keeping people with dementia safe. Registering with the program is an important step family members can take in supporting people with dementia who are at risk of wandering and becoming lost,” said Mimi Lowi-Young, CEO, Alzheimer Society of Canada.
“By collaborating with Canadian MedicAlert Foundation, we’re answering a need which will become even more critical as our population ages and more Canadians develop this disease.”
MedicAlert Safely Home members select a MedicAlert ID to wear at all times.
Through a 24/7 emergency hotline inscribed on the ID, first responders are granted immediate access to that person’s complete medical profile, as well as emergency contact information.
When a member with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia is found – even if they’re unable to answer basic personal questions like where they live – MedicAlert will provide critical information and notify emergency contacts.
“Anyone living with Alzheimer’s disease should have a MedicAlert membership,” said Robert Ridge, president and CEO, Canadian MedicAlert Foundation.
“In addition to helping ensure that people with dementia can find their way safely home, the sophisticated MedicAlert database stores full medical information including what medications they are taking, information about allergies or conditions and a record of their medical history.”
Anyone registered in the MedicAlert Safely Home program will enjoy all the benefits of a full MedicAlert membership, including fully customizable lifesaving IDs – a team of MedicAlert medical editing professionals works with the family member to ensure that the information engraved on the back of the ID is as relevant and informative as possible.
They will also have the unique 24/7 emergency hotline that gives first responders immediate access to the person’s detailed MedicAlert profile and immediate family and emergency contact notification. For immediate registration call 1-855-581-3794.
For more about the Alzheimer Society, visit www.alzheimer.ca.
-Weber