As seniors age, their susceptibility to unexpected events increases. Seniors need to be ready for any contingency, whether it is a natural disaster, a medical emergency, or unanticipated financial difficulties. Family, friends, and senior home care can be invaluable resources when assisting seniors in planning for and getting ready for unexpected events.
Developing an Emergency Plan Starts With Communication
It is necessary to have open discussions with seniors about their requirements and preferences before attempting to create a plan. These discussions should include information about their medical conditions, medications, and difficulties moving around. It is also essential to discuss their current financial situation and any existing insurance coverage. Loved ones shouldn’t assume they have the most up-to-date information.
Senior home care can assist when discussing medical and mobility issues when they’re in the home already providing services. As extra eyes in the home, they can give a sound knowledge base for loved ones.
What Should Be Included in the Emergency Plan?
Loved ones can start developing the emergency plan as soon as everyone is on the same page. This plan should include a list of emergency contacts and medical professionals. It should also contain current prescriptions and a description of seniors’ medical equipment. If possible, loved ones should be familiar with the equipment. Having clear instructions for running the equipment is also vital.
Build an Emergency Kit
In addition to developing a strategy for dealing with an emergency, loved ones can assist seniors in putting together an emergency kit. This kit must have non-perishable food, bottled water, first aid supplies, batteries, and flashlights. In an emergency, it is also essential to bring any necessary medical supplies, such as additional medication or oxygen tanks.
Make Sure the Home Is Emergency Ready
Family members and senior home care aids can also assist seniors in preparing their homes. It is essential to make preparations for the possibility that the seniors will need to hastily leave their houses in the event of an emergency. This involves the installation of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as making sure that all windows and doors can be securely closed and locked.
Help Seniors by Developing a Support Group
It is essential that seniors know they are not alone when emergencies occur. In addition to making physical preparations, loved ones can assist seniors in making emotional preparations for unexpected events. This includes having a conversation about the potential hazards and how to manage them, as well as offering emotional support during and after an emergency. Adding senior home care is an excellent first step to building this support system.
Make Sure Seniors Have Access to Emergency Information
Finally, loved ones can assist seniors by ensuring they have up-to-date information on weather warnings and other notifications regarding emergency situations and educating them on how to be safe throughout all kinds of emergency situations. This may include setting up alerts on their phone or purchasing a weather radio.
During any emergency or catastrophe, those who care for seniors, such as senior home care professionals, can help keep them safe and healthy by working with them and their loved ones to create an efficient plan.
Source:
https://www.healthinaging.org/tools-and-tips/tip-sheet-emergency-preparedness-older-adults
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/older-adults.html
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/older-adult-emergency
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior home care in Rocky Mount, NC, please contact the caring staff at East Carolina Home Care today. Call (252) 321-5510
Providing quality home care for seniors and families in and around Greenville, Rocky Mount, Tarboro, Hookerton, Farmville, Elm City, Wilson, Kinston, Snow Hill, Williamson, Goldsboro, and Washington in North Carolina.
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