Caregivers: Form your emergency plans now
We are entering what can be a tumultuous season in Western Oklahoma: tornado season. We have also been in fire danger alerts recently with the dry conditions and high winds. The problems theses dangers present can seem to be compounded for the caregivers among us.
As caregivers, we should have a plan of action ready to go in disaster/emergency situations such as these. This is especially true for those caregivers responsible for loved ones affected by dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
A general rule of thumb is to have a plan in place to meet your family's needs for 3-7 days. This includes having back up options for losing basic services like electricity and water. If you don't currently have a plan or need help developing one, here are some general guidelines you can follow.
First, make sure you know how to get to the nearest emergency shelters if they are available in your area. Also, have a plan for transportation to the shelter in the event that you don't feel safe driving you and your loved one.
Second, be sure to save emergency contact numbers in your cell phone. If you can, also keep an external charger fully charged in the event that you need to power your cell phone without electricity.
Third, have a plan to keep your friends, family or neighbors informed about where you are during the process. If the person you are caring for has dementia or Alzheimer's, prepare an emergency ID bracelet with your contact information on it for them to wear. A good idea might be to enroll the person in MedicAlert + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return Program.
Below is a checklist of things you want to be sure to have ready to go in case of a disaster:
Recent photos of your loved one, in case of separation
Copies of social security information, medical documents, insurance documents, and any appropriate legal documents
Primary care physician's information including name, office address, and office phone number
Zip lock bags for medications
A stash of high nutrient snacks and drinks
Any special incontinence items such as undergarments, wipes or lotions
Flashlights and batteries
Spare hearing aid batteries or eyeglasses if necessary
Warm clothing and sturdy shoes
For more information on disaster preparedness for caregivers, visit the National Institute on Aging.
Sunshine Home Care is an Altus, OK home health agency serving Western Oklahoma. For more information on our agency, visit here or contact us.
