Talking to a parent about wearing a medical ID

Majoon wouldn’t wear any of the medical IDs that already existed. Most were built around a big red symbol, and to her that said “I’m ill”. She isn’t, and she didn’t want to look it.

Her worry wasn’t about being prepared. It was about being labelled. I think that’s true for a lot of people, and it changes how you start the conversation.

Talk about being prepared, not being ill

A medical ID is a bit like leaving a spare key with a neighbour. You hope you’ll never need it. It simply means that if something happens, whoever helps your mum or dad will know who they are and which medicines they take.

Pick a calm moment for it, over a cup of tea rather than straight after a scare, when everyone is upset.

Choose it together

People wear what they’ve picked. Show them the three shapes and let them choose: the Guardian, a rectangular tag; the Heritage, a teardrop with a gold-tone finish; and the Lifeline, a slim bar. You can see their details on the back in 3D before you order.

Decide on the words together too. It’s their information, so they choose what goes on the back. We recommend their NHS number, but it’s not required. Our guide on what to put on a medical ID can help.

Listen to the worry behind the no

• “It looks medical.” Ours have a white enamel front with the MediWear mark and a small medical symbol. They’re made to be worn as jewellery.
• “I don’t want people knowing my business.” The details are on the back. Only someone who turns the pendant over will read them.
• “Who keeps my information?” We don’t keep medical records. We only engrave what you ask us to, and the record stays with their GP.
• “Is there a yearly fee?” No. You pay once, with no subscription.

If they live with dementia

If your parent lives with dementia, consider an emergency contact line, with the number of the person who should be called first. A pendant on a chain is less likely to be taken off and left somewhere than a bracelet. Involve them as much as you can: wearing something they like makes it more likely they’ll keep it on.

If they can’t decide for themselves, please make sure you’re acting in their best interests, for example as their attorney or main carer. Our page on buying for someone you love has more on this.

If the answer is still no

Leave it for now and come back to it another day. Nobody likes being told what to wear. And if it would help to talk it through, call us on 020 7183 0355. We can take the whole order over the phone, which is handy if you’re sorting it out together.

Kya Mobasheri, founder