Take these important steps to keep an aging loved one safe and healthy during an emergency
With near record breaking heat this summer throughout much of the U.S., along with severe weather conditions including floods, fires, and earthquakes, being prepared for an emergency, especially a weather emergency, is crucial when caring for an aging loved one or adult.
Partners in Senior Care has several tips for emergency preparedness, including:
- Identify what kind of resources you use on a daily basis and what you might do if they are limited or not available. Make a checklist of these resources and try and have extra supplies on hand.
- Plan to make it on your own, at least for a period of time. It's possible that you will not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore.
- If you must evacuate, take the senior’s pets with you, if possible. However, if you are going to a public shelter, it is important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside.
- Encourage electronic payments for federal benefit recipients. Keep in mind a disaster can disrupt mail service for days or even weeks. For those who depend on the mail for their Social Security benefits, a difficult situation can become worse if they are evacuated or lose their mail service. Switching to electronic payments is one simple, significant way people can protect themselves financially before disaster strikes. It also eliminates the risk of stolen checks. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recommends two safer ways to get federal benefits:
- Direct deposit to a checking or savings account is the best option for people with bank accounts. Federal benefit recipients can sign up by calling 800-333-1795 or at www.GoDirect.org.
- The Direct Express® prepaid debit card is designed as a safe and easy alternative to paper checks for people who don’t have a bank account. Sign up is easy. Call toll-free at 877-212-9991 or sign up online at www.USDirectExpress.com.
- Purchase or create an emergency supply kit (
Tip: Partners in Senior Care’s Family Resources Page has an emergency supply kit checklist you can download for free.)
that contains:
- Water.
- Food.
- First aid materials.
- Whistle to signal for help.
- Dust mask.
- Moist towelettes.
- Garbage bags.
- Can opener for food.
- Local maps.
- Cell phone with chargers or solar charges.
- During extreme heat conditions, remember the elderly do not adjust to the heat as well as younger people do. The elderly are also more likely to take medication that impairs the body’s ability to regulate its temperature or that inhibits perspiration. Heat stroke is one of the most serious heat-related conditions an aging person can experience. Warning signs include:
- A body temperature over 103 degrees.
- Red or dry skin that is not sweating.
- Throbbing headache.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea.
An elderly person can also experience heat exhaustion. Warning signs include:
- Heavy sweating.
- Weakness.
- Nausea.
- Headache.
- Fainting.
- Fast, shallow breathing.
- Cool, moist skin.
- Fast or weak pulse.
To protect the elderly against heat-related illnesses, make sure they drink plenty of water (no alcohol) regardless if they are being active or not, and that they remain indoors, if possible. If someone does experience a heat-related illness, you should:
- Get the person to a shade-covered area.
- Cool the person with cool water and/or wrap them in a cool, wet sheet.
- Get medical assistance as soon as possible.
For more geriatric care tips and advice, e-mail me at PMenoni@PartnersInSeniorCare.com or call me at 866-203-7290. I would love to hear from you.
Trisha
Posts
