Learn about medical alert bracelets, including who needs one, and how to choose the perfect device to keep your loved ones safe.
Summary
- Aging family members and those with medical conditions may require immediate attention from first responders; a medical alert bracelet gets them the help they need quickly.
- There are so many ways a medical alert bracelet can save lives. They protect users with a variety of medical conditions, such as allergies, asthma, blood disorders, seizures, balance issues, vertigo, decreased mobility, loss of dexterity, and many more.
- You can purchase medical alert bracelets easily online, in stores, directly from LogicMark, or on Amazon.
No one wants to see their parent or grandparent get hurt. But it happens—and all too often.
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal that around 36 million falls are reported annually among aging adults, with about 3 million fall victims being treated in the ER for fall-related injuries.
In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that roughly 684,000 people die from falls each year. Although most falls aren’t fatal, may result in devastating injuries.
No matter how hard we try to protect our loved ones from injury, accidents happen and it is essential to prepare for them.
Many of us wish we could be there for our parents around the clock, as they were for us when we were kids–but we live in a Global Community. The new norm is living a flight away from loved ones, it isn’t always possible to be there in an instant.
Instead of lying awake each night wondering if you are okay, why not invest in a medical alert bracelet to give you and those you love ultimate peace of mind?
In this article, we’ll go into the details of medical alert bracelets, the benefits of having such devices, and how you can purchase them.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
What is a Medical Alert Bracelet?
What is a Medical ID Bracelet?
What Are Some Benefits of a Medical Alert Bracelet?
What Medical Conditions Need a Medical Alert Bracelet?
Which Wrist Do I Wear a Medical Alert Bracelet On?
How Do I Purchase a Medical Alert Bracelet?
Where Can I Learn More about Medical Alert Bracelets?
What is a Medical Alert Bracelet?
Much like a medical ID bracelet, a medical alert bracelet protects those who wear it, especially in the case of a medical emergency.
Sometimes called a fall detection device or a medical alert system, a medical alert bracelet typically includes a strap with a clip that secures a compact device. This electronic device facilitates two-way communication between a person and an emergency responder, caregiver, or family member–at the press of a button.
Medical alert systems can also include additional features, such as automatic fall detection and GPS location detection.
A medical alert device does not always have to be worn on the wrist—it can also be worn on a lanyard as a pendant or attached to a waistband with a belt clip.
What is a medical ID bracelet?
Medical ID bracelets, or medical alert jewelry, are used to convey medical information to health care workers or bystanders if the wearer becomes unresponsive or is unable to communicate for whatever reason.
Some things that may be engraved on a medical ID bracelet include your:
- Name(s)
- Chronic medical conditions
- Current medications
- Allergies
- Blood type
- Emergency contact numbers
While some people may choose to use an app or a tattoo to alert medical professionals to various conditions and allergies, most emergency responders will look for a medical ID bearing the Star of Life symbol (a snake curled around a staff), as this is more common.
What are some benefits of a medical alert bracelet?
Enabling loved ones to have a direct line to first responders, family, or friends during their time of need is critical. It can save their life and increase the chances of recovery in the event of a fall or injury.
For example, if your grandmother has had a serious fall and lives alone, her being able to call emergency services or reach a family member could potentially mean the difference between life and death.
The same goes for a loved one who has a severe tree nut allergy and has an anaphylactic reaction.
But the benefits of a medical alert bracelet go beyond this. Here are a few reasons you should consider investing in a medical alert bracelet:
- They are small and discreet, allowing adults to go about their lives without carrying around bulky equipment.
- They are less difficult to use than a cellphone and are easily accessible in the event of an emergency.
- Emergency responders can be reached using only one button.
- They are simple to set up.
- They provide peace of mind to loved ones.
- There are various devices on the market that boast additional features, such as heart rate monitoring, fall detection, medication reminders, and more.
- They give wearers the freedom to live independently and confidently.
What medical conditions need a medical alert bracelet?
Medical alert bracelets aren’t just great for seniors — they’re also helpful for anyone with allergies, medical conditions, or disabilities that can leave them vulnerable if they’re alone.
People with the following conditions may benefit from using a medical alert bracelet:
Food allergies
Those with food allergies take extra precautions to avoid allergens, such as dairy, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts. However, accidents can happen and become an emergency quickly.
If someone is experiencing a severe allergic reaction — especially anaphylactic shock—all they need to do is press the button on a medical alert bracelet to get help.
What is Anaphylaxis or Anaphylactic Shock?
Anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock refers to a severe or life-threatening allergic reaction that can happen within seconds or minutes after exposure to an allergen.
Some symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- Skin rashes
- A rapid or weakening pulse
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Breathing difficulties
- Dizziness
If someone experiencing anaphylactic shock isn’t immediately injected with epinephrine and taken to the emergency room, they can die. It is crucial to get immediate treatment for severe allergic reactions.
Drug allergies
Drug allergies are more likely to affect women, those who are young or middle-aged, and those who have certain viral infections, such as HIV and herpes.
Some common drug allergies include:
- Penicillin
- Antibiotics
- NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen
- Chemotherapy drugs
A medical alert bracelet can help someone avoid the consequences of a serious allergic reaction by giving them a direct line to 911 to receive help immediately.
Insect allergies
Insect allergen exposure can be difficult to avoid, a medical alert bracelet can help immensely in these instances.
Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s can make living alone difficult and potentially dangerous. Aging adults with Alzheimer’s may be able to live by themselves and care for themselves with assistance. However, they are more prone to becoming lost or wandering.
This can give people with Alzheimer’s (and their loved ones) more peace of mind and may enable them to live at home for longer.
Dementia
Dementia can make hearing and vision problems more likely, this increases the risks of falls and injuries—especially among aging adults living independently.
Individuals with dementia may experience memory loss, concentration difficulties, and confusion as well. These things can make it difficult to dial a number during an emergency, a medical alert bracelet can help them reach emergency services with the push of a button. In the event of a less serious emergency, the user can call friends and family for assistance.
Epilepsy
Anyone, who is prone to seizures can benefit from a medical alert bracelet. These devices can become a lifeline in the event of a seizure and allow those afflicted with seizures to live independently.
There are medical alert bracelets specially designed to detect a seizure and sound an alarm—or send a notification to a caregiver or first responder.
Blood disorders
Common blood disorders include:
- Anemia
- Hemophilia (a medical condition that can result in severe bleeding)
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma (a lymphoid tissue or blood cell cancer that affects the lymph nodes)
- Myeloma (cancer of the white blood cells)
Depending on the type of blood disorder a person has, they may experience dizzy spells, fainting, or injuries that require immediate medical attention.
By owning a medical alert bracelet, those with blood disorders can rest assured that they can contact 911 or get in touch with a family member or friend should they experience symptoms.
Those with disabilities
Around 61 million Americans currently live with a disability, and 2 in 5 adults in the U.S. over the age of 65 are affected.
Of this group, about 45.5% have a functional disability type—in other words, they are either unable to move around easily, concentrate, live independently, hear, see, or care for themselves.
Adults living with disabilities have an increased risk of injury. It is vital to equip loved ones with a medical alert bracelet to assure them that help is at hand should they need it.
Which wrist do I wear a medical alert bracelet on?
It doesn’t matter which wrist you wear a medical alert bracelet on, as long as you can reach it in an emergency.
However, it may be best to wear it on your non-dominant hand the way you would wear a watch.
How do I purchase a medical alert bracelet?
Medical alert systems can be bought online, directly from manufacturers, or from various retail outlets.
At LogicMark, we offer a wide range of products to provide aging adults with confidence and the ability to live independently.
You can shop from the full product range on our site or fill out a form to learn more about our products and services. We ship directly to your door. Plus, if you’re a U.S. veteran, you may qualify for a free device.
Don’t want to buy directly from us? Browse our range of products on Amazon.
Where can I learn more about medical alert bracelets?
Have questions about medical bracelets? Unsure which products are right for your needs? Get in touch with us at LogicMark to learn more.
We offer three main products: the Guardian Alert 911, Guardian Alert 911 Plus, and the Freedom Alert.
We also have accessories such as a lanyard that can turn your medical alert system into a pendant, or a wrist strap for those who prefer wearing their device like a bracelet.
Our technology helps to protect those you love by giving them easy, direct access to emergency staff or caregivers.
Whether you’re concerned about your mother who’s becoming more forgetful, or your grandfather who is easily winded by trips to the grocery store, email or contact us to learn more about how our devices can work for you and the people you love most.
