If you have an elderly loved one, it is important to always help them plan for the unexpected. While you may not want to think there will ever be emergencies that you will need to deal with, sometimes there are. It is important to help your elderly loved one plan for emergencies, organize an emergency supply kit, and get in touch with resources within the community, as well.
Establishing Plans In Case of an Emergency
One of the first things you will need to help your elderly loved one with is establishing plans in case of an emergency. Help your loved one create a list of people they can call in case of an emergency. This may include friends, family members, elder care providers, neighbors, or community resources. Talk to these people to make sure they are aware that they are part of your loved one’s emergency plan. Work with your loved one to create home escape routes, emergency medical plans, transportation in case of an emergency, and more. Tell them what places are safest in their home in case of an emergency.
Organizing Emergency Supply Kits
Another way to help your elderly loved one with emergencies is to assist them with organizing emergency supply kits. These are essential in case they lose power for a number of days or if their life is disrupted in other ways. Make sure they stock up on water, first aid kits, flashlights with batteries, hearing aids (if they need them), extra blankets, non-perishable food, extra clothes, cash, and more. These things can all be kept in a duffel bag in an easy-to-locate place.
Identifying the Best Community Resources
There are multiple community resources that can assist someone in case of an emergency. Depending on the place where your loved one is located, they can find local shelter houses, emergency areas to stay in case of a tornado, hospitals, local organizations, and more. If it comes down to it, make sure your loved one calls 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency. Even if it isn’t an emergent situation, 9-1-1 can direct them to the best place.
These are some of the ways that you can help your elderly loved one to plan for emergencies. If you haven’t yet worked with your loved one to talk about what to do in the case of an emergency, do that today. Work up the plans and build that emergency supply kit. Make sure your loved one’s elder care providers know what the plans are in case of an emergency, as well.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Homecare in Camp Hill, AL, please contact the caring staff at Prime Home Health today. Caring for Our Friends and Neighbors in Tallapoosa, Chambers, Lee, Macon and Russell Counties! Call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! 334.745.7966
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