Protecting Older Loved Ones During Natural Disasters

Since Hurricane Irene is on the way over on the east coast, we thought this would be a great article to share! Be safe out there, everyone!

By Carol O’Dell, Caring.com Contributing Writer

Protect your parent or a senior loved one during a natural disaster with the following tips:

• Don’t watch the news incessantly or in front of the person you’re caring for – it can make your elder (and children) nervous/anxious. Quietly gather supplies and don’t wait too long. It’s best to give yourself plenty of time and not to rush. Know where you’re going-shelter, hotel, other family member’s house-and let others know your A, B, and C plans.

• Keep their medications in grab and go containers for quick evacuation. If your parent has a certain condition and you fear you may be separated, write on their arm/leg with a sharpie when meds need to be taken, what condition they have, etc.

• Make sure that you have a copy of all insurance/medical information -as well as house insurance since many times you can’t get back into the house to get policies.

• Have a back-up person (neighbor, close friend who lives nearby) who knows it’s their job to check on and if need be, evacuate your loved one. This is particularly important if you’re a long-distance caregiver, or if you work full-time.

• If you do need to evacuate write with a lipstick or sharpie marker on your front door who is with you and where you’ve gone-it’s awful to panic and worry that your loved ones can’t be found.

• Be specific. When things get hectic people feel uncertain. Give specific directions (“Get mom and go to X shelter,” or “Mom, get your purse and your cane. We are going to X). Sound calm but authoritative so that people feel safe and know exactly what they need to do.