From falls to fires, emergencies can arise at any time. For older adults, emergencies can be even more dangerous. Medical needs and lessened mobility can make emergency action more difficult. For older adults who live alone, emergency preparedness can be a major concern. It is important to help prepare your older loved one for emergencies, should one occur. The proper emergency response plan can make a real difference in their health and safety.
Emergency Plans and Mobility
When creating emergency plans for your loved one, it is important to consider their mobility. If your loved one has mobility issues, they may not be able to safely use a fire escape or move quickly out of their home. However, in an emergency, they may not have a choice. Be sure to keep pathways in the home clear of clutter or obstacles that may make evacuation more difficult in an emergency.
Emergency Information
In an emergency, your family needs to be notified. Therefore, you should fill out an emergency contact card and instruct your loved one to keep it on their person. The American Red Cross offers a free, printable contact card online. Your loved one should keep it in their wallet, cardholder, or another easily accessible place where first responders might find it.
Additionally, the medication your loved one takes can be important information in a medical emergency. Write a list of any medicine your loved one is taking and what dosages. Leave the list in an easy-to-spot location, such as on the fridge. First responders can inform the hospital of what medications your loved one is taking. It is also important to keep any Advanced Directives handy along with the medication list for medical personnel. Overall, this can be a major asset for creating a care plan in the hospital. If you need to take your loved one to the hospital, bring these papers with you.
Glasses and Hearing Aids
Glasses and hearing aids can help your loved one better understand and communicate with medical staff or first responders. Be sure to mark on any emergency information cards or medication sheets if they have glasses or hearing aids. This will help emergency responders know that these should be taken with your loved one.
Language Barriers
If your loved one is better at communicating in a language other than English, write their more fluent languages on emergency contact cards or medication lists. This can help first responders and hospital staff best serve your loved one.
Communicating With Neighbors
When your older loved one lives on their own, you may not always be around to help them in an emergency. Create a Support Network by talking with their neighbors and asking a trustworthy person to be a point of contact during an emergency. Having someone on their block or in their building who can assist them in an emergency can be important to ensure their safety.
Natural Disaster and Extreme Weather Preparedness
Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, blizzards, and more can be especially dangerous for older individuals. Power outages, flooding, and other effects from natural disasters can create potentially deadly situations. Be sure to leave flashlights in convenient locations in each room, so that your loved one can always find one in an emergency. Work with your loved one to create emergency response plans for the natural disasters that are common in your area.
A lightweight “Go Bag” can be left by the door to grab on the way out. This can include a flashlight, bottled water, snacks, important documents in a waterproof bag, cash in small bills, a pad and pen, pet supplies, a cell phone charger, hand sanitizer, and masks. New York City residents can click here for emergency preparedness materials and safety information.
Personal Emergency Response Systems
An effective way of providing a loved one with an extra level of emergency care is a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS). PERS devices connect with your loved one’s telephone connection and provide a direct call to an emergency response center. Most PERS devices are worn around the neck or wrist. At the push of a button, your loved one can be connected to the response center with two-way communication. The response center contacts emergency services, such as the fire department or EMS.
Certain services offer more deluxe PERS models that may fit your loved one’s needs better. For example, some PERS devices have sensors that detect falls and immediately respond. Waterproof and water-resistant models can also be important for added security during bathtime. If your loved one has Alzheimer’s or Dementia, consider looking into companies that specifically cater to their needs.
Home Care Workers and Emergency Prevention
One of the easiest ways to keep your loved one safe in an emergency is to prevent it from occurring. Hiring a home health aide to care for your loved one could help limit the chances of safety hazards and emergencies. A home health aide can assist with cooking, bathing, housekeeping, and more. These services can help reduce the risks of emergencies such as falls or fires in the home. Having someone in the home to assist your loved one can be critical to keeping them safe during emergencies.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services does not provide medical, healthcare, or financial advice via articles. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for advice.
Safe Harbor Healthcare Services has provided excellent home care on Staten Island since 1967. Our services help older and disabled individuals live safely and independently; while giving their families the peace of mind they need. For more information contact us or call (718)-979-6900.
