Planning for a Natural Disaster When Your Loved One Has Alzheimer’s
Natural disasters, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, heat waves, fires and blizzards can be scary, but they can seem even scarier to someone with Alzheimer’s. It’s very important to have a disaster preparedness plan for these kinds of emergencies so that your loved one feels secure, and if your loved one is in a memory care community, then you need to know the specific facility’s plan.
Disaster Preparedness Plan
If your loved one is in memory care, then knowing their disaster plan is a must. Contact the community to find out who coordinates disaster evacuations, and make sure they have copies of the patient’s medical history and any medications they might need, should something happen. If the Alzheimer’s resident has other special devices such as a walker, wheelchair, or an oxygen tank, then make sure the person in charge knows that. Also, find out where your loved one will be moved should a disaster occur, and how the community would communicate with you and others in your family.
If your loved one is not at a memory care community, then you will be in charge of their evacuation plan. Know that during a natural disaster your loved one might have an increased risk for wandering or becoming agitated. If you are evacuating to a specific location, then make sure that people around you know about their diagnosis so they can better assist you. Also, do whatever you can to stay together. This will help make sure your loved one won’t get lost and become even more confused. Most importantly- stay calm. If you are calm, it will help your loved one remain calm, too.
Emergency Supplies Your Loved One Might Need
This extensive list includes most everything you might need for a natural disaster situation where a person with Alzheimer’s is involved. Make sure you have all of these items if you are in charge of your loved one. If they are already a resident in a memory care community, then make sure they have access to the specific documents and any extra things you believe your loved one might need.
- Water
- Non-perishable foods
- Flashlights (extra batteries)
- Cell phone charger
- Extra clothing and shoes
- Incontinence products
- Medical documents
- Legal documents
- Extra identification items (ID bracelet)
- Insurance and social security cards
- Recent photo of your loved one in case they get lost
- Comfort item for your loved one- favorite book, picture, etc.
- Contact info for physicians and you
At Avalon Memory Care, nothing is more important to us than the safety, health, and quality of life of our residents. To learn more about Avalon Memory Care or schedule a visit call (972) 713-1383 or (888) 522-1918. Avalon Memory Care offers all-inclusive pricing and month to month contracts.
Sources:
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/safety/in-a-disaster
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