MiCode: The Game-Changing Technology Keeping Vulnerable People Safe
Read the full article in the latest edition of The Carer at https://thecareruk.com/recommends/micodearticle/
Caring for a loved one is a journey of commitment, love and dedication, but it also comes with profound challenge and responsibility.
Whether it’s elderly relatives, individuals with dementia, people with disabilities, or those with complex medical needs, ensuring their safety – especially in emergencies – is a constant concern. Your priority is always their safety and well-being. But what happens when you can’t be there?
If a person with dementia wanders, will responders know who they are and who to contact? If someone with epilepsy, diabetes, or a severe allergy experiences a medical crisis, will first responders have the right information to act quickly and safely?
MiCode, a British-made, NHS-backed innovation, understands these concerns. It offers a simple yet powerful solution designed to bring peace of mind to carers and protect those they love.
A Carer’s Story at the Heart of MiCode
MiCode wasn’t conceived in a boardroom; it was born from a place of love and necessity. Professor James Ohene-Djan, a leading technologist from Goldsmiths, University of London, developed MiCode after witnessing the challenges faced by his brother, Anthony, who lived with multiple sclerosis (MS).
As Anthony’s condition progressed, communicating his medical needs became increasingly difficult. James saw firsthand how a lack of instantly accessible medical details could put vulnerable individuals at risk. He used his expertise to create MiCode – a simple, effective, and affordable way to ensure people always have their vital medical information at hand. It’s a solution built by a carer, for carers.
What is MiCode, and How Does it Help?
MiCode is a secure QR code system that provides immediate access to essential medical and emergency contact information. Unlike traditional medical ID bracelets, which can only hold a few words, MiCode acts as a digital lifeline and allows first responders, paramedics, and you to access a complete, up-to-date medical profile in seconds.
Each MiCode securely stores:
- Emergency contacts: Ensuring the right people are called first – including you.
- Medical conditions: Allowing paramedics and carers to make informed decisions.
- Allergy and medication details: Preventing potentially dangerous treatment errors.
- Care instructions: Supporting continuity of care across different carers and settings.
- Instant translation: Ensuring accessibility in diverse communities and while traveling abroad.
- LOCATION
Designed for Real Life, Backed by the NHS
MiCode is a proudly British company, using cutting-edge British technology to enhance safety and efficiency in healthcare. It has been developed in close collaboration with the NHS, with a particular focus on supporting children, older adults, and individuals with complex care needs.
Unlike many healthcare solutions that require expensive subscriptions or complicated apps, MiCode has been designed to be:
- Affordable: At just £2 per month or £20 annually, MiCode is accessible to individuals, families, and care organisations.
- Easy to use: No apps, logins, or complicated passwords—just a simple scan with any smartphone.
- Practical for real-world emergencies: Whether at home, in a care facility, or traveling, medical and emergency details are always accessible.
How MiCode is Used in Everyday Care
MiCode can be seamlessly integrated into daily life, making it a flexible and convenient tool for those receiving care, their families, and professional caregivers.
- Wearable options: MiCode can be worn as a bracelet, pendant, or keyring, ensuring it is always available in an emergency.
- Mobile integration: MiCode can be displayed on a mobile phone screen for instant access.
- Cards and stickers: Ideal for placement in wallets, on mobility aids, or in homes, ensuring carers and emergency responders can retrieve information immediately.
- Clothing and pre-printed items: MiCodes can be integrated into uniforms, lanyards, and ID badges, making them particularly beneficial for care home residents and individuals prone to wandering or confusion.
Unlike many digital health systems that require Wi-Fi, apps, or login credentials, MiCode is designed to work instantly with any smartphone camera. This makes it particularly useful for those who may not be comfortable with technology or who need a reliable, always-accessible solution.
A Vital Tool for Carers and Care Companies
For family carers, MiCode provides invaluable peace of mind. If something happens and you are not present, you can trust that first responders will have all the necessary information to provide the best possible care and contact you immediately.
For professional carers and care companies, MiCode ensures:
- Faster emergency response – Information is available instantly, without the need to search through files or records.
- Improved communication between care teams – Every carer and responder has access to the same critical information, ensuring consistency in care.
- Reduced risk of medication errors – MiCode provides real-time medication details, preventing dangerous mistakes.
- Lower operational costs – At just £20 per year per person, MiCode is an affordable alternative to complex digital health record systems.
MiCode is already being adopted by care homes, assisted living providers, and NHS services, contributing to a safer and more efficient care environment.
MiCode Can Save Lives
Emergencies happen when least expected. Being prepared can mean the difference between life and death.
For families, MiCode offers reassurance that their loved ones are protected, even when they are not around.
For carers, it is a simple, affordable, and life-saving tool that ensures first responders and healthcare providers have immediate access to accurate medical information.
For care companies, it is a scalable, cost-effective solution that enhances patient safety, reduces risk, and improves communication between care teams.
And for those who rely on care, MiCode is a lifeline—ensuring that in any emergency, help arrives quickly, accurately, and efficiently.
MiCode isn’t just technology; it’s a way to empower you, the carer, and protect the ones you love.
Learn more and find out how MiCode can bring peace of mind to your caring journey at MiCode.uk