Helping the Elderly Prepare for an Emergency
I’ve gotten to that age where I’ve had to deal with aging parents and nursing homes.
In the event of an emergency, I’d like to think that dad will still be able eat it in peace, in the brightness and comfort of electric lights while watching reruns of Red Skelton on the wide screen TV. Unfortunately, this may not be the case.
Emergency preparedness tips for older adults increase their safety during a natural disaster. Creating an emergency kit and plan can take some effort, but it can also mean the difference between developing a serious health issue or surviving the disaster unharmed.
Everything done by an elderly or disabled individual, including the simplest of tasks, might need extra time and work than it does for an able-bodied person. If you have ever cared for an elderly or disabled person – or you are that elderly or disabled person – you know exactly how challenging this situation can be.
If your elderly loved ones are living alone or in a nursing home, here are 6 crucial prepping tips you need to consider – in advance of a crisis – to make sure everyone is prepared for an emergency.
- Consider health-related matters. Have copies of medications, blood type and allergies that can be handed off to medical teams if necessary.
- Prescription medications. Speak to the prescribing doctor and ask for three months ahead on medications. Don’t forget any extra inhalers, hearing aids and over-the-counter medications.
- Be aware of mobility issues. In the event someone may have to be transported or moved, consider what is necessary to travel with them. Make sure wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen tanks, etc., are in good working order, and keep spares if possible. If you’re bugging out in an emergency, your disabled or elderly person will need more time than most to get out of the house or facility and into a vehicle. Be ready to start this process immediately when an emergency arises.
- Special medical equipment. Are there oxygen tanks, or any items that need power to function? Consider extra batteries and even a solar generator (these do not emit fumes and can be kept indoors) to help power any necessary items.
- Up-to-date communication. Discuss plans, share where bug-out-bag and supplies are and help them mentally prepare. Also keep a laminated card with important emergency phone numbers and names that can be kept in a visible place. Ask nursing homes or communities what their emergency plans are and how they handle evacuations.
- Bug out Bags still apply. Having an emergency kit on hand is still necessary. Keep water, food, blankets and extra clothes in an additional bag that can be easily grabbed on the go.
Good Information. That is why I am saving to get a Solar Generator. I am 70 and on Oxygen therapy.This generator would ensure that the concentrator would continue to work. I am adding things to my STASH as I can afford them.
Also consider long term care insurance and long term care. Home care may be something to consider. Griswold Home Care takes care of thousands of aging families everyday.
Great ideas and very helpful suggestions.
THANK YOU!!
Depending on your Md(& insurance), getting 3 months AHEAD on meds, COULD BE impossible ,except by ‘skipping doses’ & ‘saving up’; No,it ISN’T ‘recommended’;& if you are UNLUCKY enough to be RX’d a CONTROLLED drug,you ARE NOT getting 3 months supply(w/o a NON ‘CYA’ dr)..& if they RX’d you 2 controlled(&’off label usage’), fudging ACTUAL dose needed(or,!!, Salvaging from another Pt#Federally Prohibited #,//huh.i DIE.or I break fed law& live.in a DISASTER,??”WWJD?”// .BEWARE OF NEW DISEASES(tics!!); beware of NEW MED COMBOS /synthed/controlled .& KEEP A HARD COPY OF SCRIP,&All REFILLS ,thru MD changes(paper,i was a MESS & it isnt a notebookfull..);SPECIAL MEDS: a REFRIDGERATING METHOD/ lifespan of med/ alternates of LAST RESORT.(insulin IS SHORT LIVED; CRISIS if it MELTS, or,if disaster is 6months long..ANTIBIOTICS,many are the same:short lifespan. REFRIGERATE.(&others MAY BE GOOD for YEARS BEYOND expiration-date..US Military studies showed 15 YEARS LIFESPAN ,cool dry storage,for Some..EPI-pen# if it’s not CLOUDY,it’s PROBABLY good.(& if you NEED IT,I’D RISK A CLOUDY one!(SO: ALWAYS INVESTIGATE alternatives (epipen? Broncodilator/antihistamine/adrenaline:vitaminC,coffee,ALBUTEROL(pnr!).
Don’t forget the elderly persons cell phone. It not only allows them to keep in touch, but a good source of who to notify in case of death. … also, could you please design & make available a good bug-out bag with reminders included, possibly attached? Thanks
I have already walked this path. ..fo sudden loss of independence and loss of my parents.Please take a minute to think about the things i learned. The best thing you can do to prepare for crisis is to have a set time to talk to your parents every day…at elast once int he morning and once at night.Mot strokes and heart attacks occur early morning. Knowing your lvoed ones routine can help pinpoint the time of an event and having a routine to talk to them can limit the damage of a stroke,. If a person is found in the first few hours medications can be given to limit the damage. Someone should be on their bank account and be able to take over and pay mothly bills, and should be aware of any large amount bills that occur routinely, like yearly insurance… should a sudden diability occur. Not only should med lists of current medications exist, they hould be duplicated You should never give away the only list…to anyone.Any allergies should be noted as well as any medications that were taken with bad side effects…some blood pressure medscause severe headaches. would not want to give your loved one somethng they had a prior raction to. Should also be aware if Mom or Dad have a side they prefer to lie on, Or a position they can’t remain in for long periods of time without pain.. You should know where they keep the insurance cards for all of hteir care, and any bonus plans they have that give cash back or bonus buys. for OTC needs
When my mother (age 92) moved in with me, I called my local police department to record an elderly resident who was very hard of hearing. Later when she called 911, I was thanked profusely by a grateful officer for the heads up.