09/27/2022 |

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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
Medications
First aid kit
Essential toiletries
Sunscreen, bug spray, and hat if waiting outside for an extended time
Towels and blankets
Toilet paper and tissue
Flashlights (extra batteries)
Cell phone charger
Extra clothing and shoes
Medical equipment like a walker, oxygen tank, hearing aids, eyeglasses, or wheelchair
Incontinence products
Important keys to home or their residence suite
Beloved or valuable jewelry they wear each day or keep close
Extra cash and coins
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

For Power Outages

The power can sometimes be out for days. Think about what you’ll need now to properly care for yourself and your loved one:

Do this now: Contact your electric company and communicate your need for an alternate power source for life-saving equipment.
Stockpile flameless faux candles, flashlights, and solar lights
Battery-powered personal fans
Extra blankets

For Hurricanes

Texas is no stranger to severe storms. Keep these items ready in case of extreme flooding and evacuation:

Life jackets
Raincoat
Umbrella
Confirm this now: Pre-determined location to travel to for higher ground
Waterproof bag for documents, medications, and phone

For Tornadoes

Tornadoes are very scary and can disturb someone with dementia even more than the average person. Think of what your loved one will need in the event you must go to your sheltering place.

Pre-determined location with a safe room or basement
Bike helmets to protect head
Water and non-perishable foods stored in basement for easy access
Can opener
Noise-cancelling headphones for your loved one’s comfort
Weather radio

For Fires

A home fire is devastating. Think of what to do now in the event a tragedy like this occurs:

Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and educate yourself on how to use it.
Practice fire drills with your loved one.
Emphasize that getting out safely is the number one priority. Leave belongings behind.
Maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Better yet, hire a security system to professionally install and monitor them.
If you have a working security keypad, teach your loved one to push the fire emergency button.
If you live with your loved one, have the energy company turn off power to dangerous appliances like ovens and stoves.

For Blizzard and Ice Storms

Even if your heat stays on, it might struggle to keep up with the cold. Take measures now to have everything you need in the event of frigid temps:

Warm clothing, thick socks, and heavy winter coats
Extra undergarments
Mittens, gloves, scarves, hats, and earmuffs
A stockpile of body warmers
Snuggly blankets

For Roadside Emergencies

Engine problems or a flat tire can be extra precarious with a passenger with dementia. Keep your vehicle maintained and add a few extra precautions to your list:

Number to your preferred roadside service, like AAA
Emergency light for your car like this one or this one
Charged cell phone

For Any Emergency

Think of ways you can locate your loved one if you get separated or if they feel scared. Some ideas:

Whistle they can wear around their neck (yours, too)
Bright colored or matching shirts for each of you
Bracelet that lights up or makes sounds
Light-up body gear like this
Handheld noisemaker your loved one can use to quickly get your attention
Wearable medical alert system
ID necklace
Blanket to snuggle with
Pet food and supplies for your pets and loved one’s pets

Start to prepare now with a go-bag filled with the necessary items. If keeping up with paperwork is difficult, keep a file on your phone that includes prescriptions, passwords, your loved one’s recent photo, insurance and ID cards, doctor info, and other important numbers you can access immediately.

You can also keep vital numbers under “Favorites” in your phone. Here are some to include:

The memory care residence
Doctors and therapists
Police non-emergency line
Pharmacy
Pet sitter
Health insurance company
Medicare
Hospital

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.

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Testimonials

“Since my mother has lived at Avalon, I have had peace of mind for the first time since Alzheimer’s began to exact its terrible price from my mother’s life. Thank you for your part in making our lives better.”

Daughter | Ft. Worth, TX

“I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the care and love afforded to my mom over the last two weeks. Your success in finding such quality people has my gratitude and respect.”

Daughter | Dallas, TX

“We are very pleased with all of the efforts that your caring staff has made to smooth this traumatic transition.”

Son | Plano, TX

“I know my husband had the very best care in his final days. I regret that I did not know about Avalon sooner.”

Wife | Dallas, TX

“Mom spent the final 8 months of her life in Avalon Memory Care in Allen. The staff was great. There was rarely a day that my brother or I did not come by and they were always friendly to us and did their best to make mom comfortable and happy. We really appreciated them for everything they did.”

Daughter | Allen, TX

“Making the decision to place my mother in residential memory care was the hardest thing I think I have ever done. But living at Avalon has been the best thing for her at this stage of her life.”

Daughter | Allen, TX

“My grandmother has lived at Avalon Memory Care for 6 months now. I cannot speak highly enough about the warmth, dedication, and caring compassion of the staff. They always make us feel welcome and go out of their way to work with us to accommodate grandma’s needs.”

Grandson | Arlington, TX

“My grandmother spent her final days at Avalon and we couldn’t have asked for a better place to care for her. The caregivers are attentive and kind, and many of them have been with Avalon for years. If you are looking for a place to love on you and your family in a season that is inevitably difficult, Avalon is a wonderful choice.”

Granddaughter | Arlington, TX

“We are delighted with the facility of Avalon Memory Care. We just placed Grandma in an apartment with them and couldn’t be happier. It is clean and well-lit, and everyone greets us, down to the folks who clean up.”

Granddaughter | Arlington, TX