Safety & Emergency Resources
MedicAlert + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return
MedicAlert Foundation, in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association
A nationwide wandering-response and medical ID service built specifically for people with dementia, backed by 24/7 emergency support.
Who it's for
Families concerned about wandering -- a common and serious safety risk as dementia progresses -- who want a fast way for first responders or the public to identify and safely return a loved one.
When to use this
As soon as wandering becomes a realistic concern, not after a first incident -- enrollment and an ID accessory take time to set up, and the value is in having it in place before it's needed.
Why MemoryPath recommends this
It's the only wandering-support program built jointly by MedicAlert and the Alzheimer's Association specifically for dementia, combining a 24/7 emergency response line with an ID accessory that anyone -- police, medical staff, or the public -- can use to identify someone and reach their family quickly.
Services provided
- 24/7 emergency wandering-response line
- A wearable medical ID (bracelet or similar) with a unique ID number
- A stored personal health and emergency-contact profile accessible by responders
- Direct coordination with local authorities during a wandering incident
How it works
A member wears an ID accessory with a unique number. If they wander and are found by police, medical staff, or a member of the public, that number connects to MedicAlert's 24/7 line, which has the member's health information and emergency contacts on file -- shortening the time it takes to safely reunite someone with their family.
Cost, honestly
Membership plans start around $25/year, and a required ID accessory is purchased separately (prices vary widely by style). Some Medicare Advantage or other insurance plans may cover the ID accessory if a physician documents it as medically necessary, and some local Alzheimer's Association chapters offer financial assistance -- it's worth asking both before assuming the cost is out of reach.
A note on scope
This is a safety and identification tool, not a GPS tracking device -- it depends on someone finding the person and calling the number on the ID.