By Anna Fleet
Aging is a beautiful journey. But it comes with unique challenges for seniors who wish to remain independent, and for their caregivers. MedicAlert’s mission is to provide safety and peace of mind through our Emergency Response System, made up of an ID bracelet and an Emergency Health Record accessible to First Responders in emergencies.
Our events team recently had the pleasure of taking part in the 2024 Dundas Community Senior's Fair, where they met Cara-Beth Gratzfeld, Manager of Community & Senior Outreach Programs at Dundas Community Services. We spoke with Cara-Beth after the event, where she shared her insights and firsthand experiences as both a caregiver and community advocate.
"People are always interested in the services that will keep them safe,” said Cara-Beth, “[but] paramedics and police are not always trained to recognize every chronic health condition and disease. That’s where MedicAlert ID shines.” She describes MedicAlert as a small but powerful tool that supports seniors to stay where they want to be, confidently, and safely.
A significant concern for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia is the risk of wandering and disorientation. The calls to MedicAlert’s 24/7 Emergency Hotline reflect that—more than 40% of calls are for people who’ve gone missing. "Having safety measures like MedicAlert in place can provide that extra layer of security,” says Cara-Beth, “both for the individual and their caregivers, and that can save lives."
MedicAlert IDs are worn at the pulse points so First Responders know to look for them and call the 24/7 Emergency Hotline number on the back. Each ID has a unique ID number that provides access to the wearer’s Emergency Contact and their vital health information—including chronic conditions, medications, allergies, or medical devices. What's more, we have specific blue IDs for those living with dementia. The colour is a quick visual cue for First Responders who we train to understand the meaning of the blue ID. This ensures a disoriented senior can be returned safely home, reducing the distress and potentially dangerous escalation associated with wandering incidents.
MedicAlert’s Safe & Found Program began in 2012, when we were asked to take over the management of Canada’s National Wandering Registry by the Alzheimer's Society and the RCMP. Since then, MedicAlert’s Safe & Found Program, with its recognizable blue dementia ID bracelet, has protected over 50,000 Canadians living with dementia.
Cara-Beth knows the struggles of caregiving all too well. Her father was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2019, prompting her to take a leave of absence to care for him. “One of the biggest challenges was keeping track of Dad. He was still relatively independent, and 'no' is not in our vocabulary.”
“Caregivers often exhaust themselves trying to meet all the needs,” Cara-Beth shared. “In my caregiver support group, a common concern is the guilt attached to being apart from loved ones, whether for work, groceries, or their medical appointments. MedicAlert provides discreet reassurance for caregivers and safety for their loved ones." As a caregiver herself, Cara-Beth can empathize. She’s part of the Sandwich Generation (with aging parents and young kids to care for simultaneously), “So many are struggling right now to fulfill their role, given the cost of living, working full-time jobs with kids at home, and suddenly there’s an aging parent who needs their help.”
Cara-Beth also highlighted a growing issue: elderly children caring for centenarian parents. "Last year, I had four clients over 100 years old, one of whom lived with his 98-year-old wife with dementia, which became a crisis situation. People are living longer, which means their children, often themselves in their 80s, also need support.” She notes that MedicAlert is crucial in providing safety and peace of mind for both generations.
MedicAlert is more than just an ID bracelet; it’s a lifeline that empowers seniors to live independently and provides caregivers with peace of mind. We encourage you to learn more about how MedicAlert can keep your loved one safe and protected. Visit medicalert.ca/signup or call 1-800-668-1507 today.