A MedicAlert + Safe Return Success Story

For caregivers as well as the person with dementia (PWD), it is difficult to accept that wandering may be an issue. It is scary for the PWD to think they may go out and not return home because they simply can’t remember where home is. Nevertheless, 6 out of 10 people with Alzheimer’s will wander, which can be dangerous and even life threatening. It’s important for everyone living with dementia to be enrolled in the MedicAlert® + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return® program. A challenging problem is getting the PWD to wear the identification jewelry, and keeping it on, especially if the person is in the early stage of Alzheimer’s and is aware of what the jewelry implies. Many caregivers have to draw from their inner creativity. The following story is about a caregiver who thought outside the box.

As the MedicAlert + Safe Return Community Outreach Associate I visit communities to educate the public about the program, as well as other Chapter programs and services. During a recent talk at a Bronx senior center, I met Mrs. Brown*, a caregiver to her mother who attends the center. Mrs. Brown came to the presentation with her mother to ask for my help. She approached me after the Q&A session and explained that her mother was registered in the program, received the bracelet, but refused to wear it. Mrs. Brown suggested that I present her mother, who loves receiving gifts, with the bracelet as a gift on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Association. Mrs. Brown handed me a gift bag with the bracelet wrapped inside.

I thought it was a clever idea. I hesitated giving it to her in the presence of the audience so as to avoid any embarrassment. I approached Mrs. Brown’s mother who was welcoming. I explained that I select an audience member who was very attentive (a little white fib) and present them with a gift on behalf of the Chapter. Her face lit up immediately. I informed her that she was today’s winner, gave her the box and helped her open it. She smiled broadly the moment she saw the bracelet. I asked her if I could place the bracelet on her wrist to make sure it fit – for fear she wouldn’t put it on after I was gone – and allowed me with ease. She called over her daughter, sitting a few seats away, to show her what she has just “won.” Mrs. Brown looked at me in disbelief, but was pleased that her plan worked. I commended her for thinking outside the box and for her dedication to keeping her mother safe. I left the center feeling satisfied and humbled that I helped this family. I also left thinking about the many caregivers who are experiencing a similar situation.

Once caregivers accept that wandering may be an issue, the next step should be enrolling them in MedicAlert + Safe Return. The safety of the PWD should always be a priority. As illustrated above, it is often a challenge to get the cooperation of the PWD to wear the identification jewelry. I recommend the Alzheimer’s Association flyer, “Ideas for Encouraging Someone to Wear Their MedicAlert + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return Identification Products.” Some ideas are as simple as having a grandchild or other loved one present the bracelet. The PWD may appreciate the gesture, cherish the bracelet, and wear it even if initially they don’t like the style. The idea is to present the jewelry in the most appealing way possible. It’s also important to remember that being registered, but not wearing the identification product greatly reduces the possibility of the person being found and returned home in a safe and timely manner.

To report a missing or found person with dementia, please call our 24-hour nationwide emergency line at
1.800.572.1122 or 1.800.625.3780.

For presentations about the MedicAlert + Safe Return program, contact Elizabeth Bravo Santiago, MedicAlert + Safe Return Manager, at 646-744-2918 or by e-mail at esantiago@alznyc.org.

*We have changed the names to protect the privacy of the individuals.

— Niurqui Mariano,
Medic Alert + Safe Return Community Outreach Associate

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