Whether you are beginning to notice brain changes, or have a diagnosed type of dementia, there is plenty you can do to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe for Medical Alert Month!
Power of Attorney for Healthcare Document
Everyone age 18 and over should have completed their Power of Attorney for Healthcare document and have it on file with their primary care provider. Wisconsin is NOT a “next of kin” state. This means that if you are incapacitated for any amount of time, no one can automatically speak on your behalf and relay your healthcare wishes. For folks living with brain changes, it can be important to think ahead in the disease process about some the “what if’s” and record them. For example, the care you may or may not prefer might differ depending on if you are able to eat solid foods or not.
File of Life
The File of Life is a tool to help share important information about yourself to first responders should you be unable to. This information may include allergies, emergency contact information, and more. At the Brown County ADRC, there is a dementia specific insert for the File of Life where you can record additional information such as if you or the person you help support wanders, drives, and more. You can obtain this magnet from ADRC.
Medical Alert / ID Bracelet
A medical alert or medical ID bracelet can help share a variety of information such as diagnoses, allergies, and medical preferences. For individuals living with a type of dementia, it can be helpful to have a medical ID bracelet with emergency contact information or your address. These can be ordered from a variety of sources as well as through your primary care provider.
Wisconsin Department of Transportation Emergency Contact Law
Starting June 1, 2024, Wisconsin Department of Transportation enacted an Emergency Contact Law. This law allows Wisconsin residents to add one emergency contact to their record. This may be a good way to get help from loved ones should you need it. You can find out more about this law on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website or by contacting your local Department of Motor Vehicles.
Contact Your Local Police Department
Each police department may have a difference process for alerting first responders if you or a loved one is living with changes to the brain that may sometimes cause confusion. Contacting your local law enforcement and finding out what procedures and alerts they have in place is a great way to stay ahead of any potential emergencies!
Silver Alert
Wisconsin’s Silver Alert program notifies subscribers and law enforcement statewide if a senior with a potential dementia or brain changes goes missing. The alerts go out by email and text messages through the Wisconsin Crime Alert Network. Should you ever need to utilize this program, immediately call 911.
Talk to Those Around You
It can be difficult to let those around us know that we may need extra assistance; however, most people WANT to help us but do not know how. Let others know what challenges you may be facing and what they can do to help. In the long run, it helps everyone.
If you have additional questions about any of these tips, call us at ADRC – we’re happy to help keep you safe!
Sources: wisconsincrimealert.widoj.gov, wisconsindot.gov
