Training Brings Hope, For Seniors With Dementia, Of A Safe Way Home
When a training comes across the desks of the Council on Aging (CoA) staff, especially a training to help bring loved ones with memory issues home safely, they jump on the chance to join in and learn something new.
On November 16th, the CoA’s Program Director, Anna McNeill, and Case Coordinator, Angel Kraft, attended the Miles for Memories training down in Battle Creek.
This training was put on to educate other senior services/CoA on the Miles for Memories Program with the base hope being to expand the program throughout all of Michigan.
What is Miles for Memories?
As it is stated on their website: https://milesformemories.org/, “Miles for Memories is a local organization created in 2013 to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's disease. Later in 2014, we expanded our vision to include all types of dementia. We raise money each year through sponsorships, community events, and grants to gather funds to create local programming for both the person living with dementia and the caregiver. Along with our local efforts we also send 20% of the funds to prevention-related dementia research. We are a committee of 70-plus volunteers and are always looking for more to get involved.”
Since their start in 2013 with the hopes of raising funds, the Miles for Memories organization has expanded to offering Personal ID bracelets and other forms of identification to help those with dementia related confusion, or other memory issues find their way back home.
“The Miles for Memories Help Home Personal ID* Program provides support for the person in early stages of dementia to continue to be active. The bracelet is specially designed to be comfortable and waterproof. It allows for emergency and medical information to be stored and accessed by emergency personnel when your loved one is found. The information the bracelet provides can be accessed and adjusted by family members, or caregivers, through a phone app or online. Best of all, you decide how much information to provide,” as stated on their website at: https://milesformemories.org/safe-return/personal-id-bracelet
Not only did McNeill and Kraft learn all about what Miles for Memories has set in place, but they were sent home with Personal ID bracelets and taught how to get them set up for those in need in their county.
McNeill and Kraft will be presenting this information to the Caregiver Support group over the next few months to get these Personal ID bracelets out to those in need and in the future will be looking to bring more information to Emergency services so they can keep an eye out for these devices to help get those in need back home safely.
“How it Works - Purchase a bracelet (or get from CoA staff while items are available). Register the person information online (CoA staff is training on how to do this step). Fit the bracelet to the persons wrist (CoA staff is also trained in helping individuals in this as well). If your person ever wanders and is found by an emergency responder, the responder can scan the QR code, or call the 800# (and give the ID & PIN number), on the back of the bracelet to find the emergency contact number and information necessary to return them home safely. No need to take your loved one to the emergency center, unless the persons conditions suggest otherwise, which is what could happen to your love one if they are found without a bracelet.
*The Personal ID Bracelets are funded in part by a grant through the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.”
The CoA staff is excited to see how this program will be best utilized in their community.
To sign up for caregiver support, or to find out more about how to get someone in need their own personal ID bracelet, call the CoA office at 989-426-5450.