Emergency situations are scary and discombobulating events even to the most strong-willed and healthy of us. For someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, situations like hurricanes, tornadoes, heat waves and even the current COVID-19 pandemic can be even more upsetting and confusing.
“When you’re a caregiver to someone with dementia, being prepared for a disaster is absolutely crucial,” says Michelle Pelham, Executive Director at Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua, a memory care assisted living community in Nashua, NH. “Depending on where you live, you could face situations such as flooding, hurricanes, heat waves and other natural or man-made disasters. It’s essential to take steps and precautions in order to ensure the safety of your loved one and yourself.”
Advance Preparations
Gather information. You’ll want to make sure that your loved one will be safe and cared for no matter where they are when disaster strikes. So, if your senior lives in a residential situation or attends an adult day center, connect with staff to learn more about their disaster and evacuation plans. Find out the person responsible for leading an evacuation, and ask them specific questions about the plan. If your loved one requires a walker or wheelchair, how will that affect evacuation, and what steps can you take to ensure everyone’s safety?
Be sure that, no matter where your loved one is or lives, their medical history and information is up-to-date. Provide copies of their medication list, medical history, family contacts, allergies, physician information and other relevant information to appropriate parties.
Prepare an emergency kit. Depending on the emergency situation, you may have to evacuate quickly or hunker down in your current location for an undefined amount of time. Create a kit or “bug-out bag” that is stored in an easily accessible location. Make sure the bag is watertight or otherwise waterproof to protect essential items. Some things to include in your kit include:
- Medications
- Essential documents, such as identification, Social Security cards, powers of attorney, etc.
- Clothes and shoes that are easy to put on and remove
- Spare eyeglasses
- Necessary products like incontinence products or other supplies
- Physician and emergency contact information
- Identification items like clothing tags, ID bracelets and recent photographs of you and your loved one
- Bottled water
- Favorite foods that are shelf stable
- Books, puzzles, stuffed animals and other comfort items
Enroll your loved one in MedicAlert®. MedicAlert® + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return® is a 24-hour nationwide emergency response service for people with dementia and their caregivers. Register online at https://www.medicalert.org/alz or by calling 1-800-432-5378.
If Disaster Is Imminent
Move to a safe place. If it’s necessary for you to evacuate to get to a safe place, leave as early as possible. Make sure that you have planned a route in advance so you can get to your destination in the most direct way that you can. Be sure to let friends and loved ones know that you are on the move and provide them with your contact information. Be sure to update them as you continue to move. If a safe place is in your home (such as for a tornado), be sure to move there well in advance and make sure it is set up to settle down comfortably.
Stay calm. Although the situation may be scary, it’s important for you to stay calm and contained. Your loved one with dementia can pick up on your moods and feelings, and if you remain calm, it’s more likely that they will be accommodating and calm as well.
Stay alert to your loved one’s needs. Even the smallest change in routine can cause loved ones with dementia to become agitated, confused and even aggressive. Stay alert to your loved one’s behaviors and be prepared to address them as soon as possible. When appropriate, share information about your loved one’s disease with hotel or shelter staff or other care team members.
Stay together. It only takes a moment for your loved one with dementia to wander off and become lost. Stay with your loved one as much as you can, and if you must leave them, be sure to have someone who can assist you.
Use techniques to reduce agitation. It’s more than likely that your loved one will experience some unwanted behaviors due to the disruption the emergency is causing. Here are some tips to help prevent or reduce agitation:
- Redirect your loved one’s attention if you notice him or her becoming upset. Have a favorite item, game or book to distract.
- Move to a quiet place, if possible, which will help reduce stimulation and provide a sense of calm.
- Make sure your loved one continues to take prescribed medication on a scheduled basis.
- Do your best to maintain a normal schedule, with regular mealtimes and sleep schedules.
- Don’t try to give detailed explanations about what’s happening; be direct and simple.
- Provide reassurance and let your loved one know they are safe, that you are with them and that everything is going to be fine.
- Affirming their emotions will help them feel safe and understood.
Finally, be sure to take care of yourself during the emergency situation, as well. Be sure you have some items to help distract your mind (such as a good book or a craft). If you’re in a more long-term situation, find ways to relax and unwind. Call a friend or family member and share your thoughts and feelings. Get exercise, eat healthy meals and find times to breathe, reflect and recenter your thoughts.
Emergencies don’t happen often, but when they do, it’s best to be prepared for all possibilities. By following these tips, you can better ensure a safer, smoother and easier experience for both yourself and your loved one with dementia.
A Fulfilling Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua provides expert memory care within an assisted living environment that is comfortable, positive and engaging. Exclusively dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, our community offers a wellness-focused lifestyle that promotes dignity, independence and fulfilment in daily life.
Dedicated Memory Care
Our programs, care and services are all designed to celebrate our residents’ lives and support each resident’s individual strengths and abilities. No matter what stage of memory loss a resident may be experiencing, our memory care professionals work to maximize their independence in a secure, calm environment – making a truly positive impact on the lives of our residents every day.
Stunning, Purpose-Built Design
Featuring a stunning, purposeful design, Bridges® by EPOCH at Nashua is so much more than a beautiful place to live . . . It’s a community focused on enriching the lives of our residents and helping their families enjoy meaningful relationships with them. Our evidence-based design features, including soft paint colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations, provide a soothing and easy-to-navigate environment.
Contact us today to learn more.