If you are a caretaker for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, hurricane and storm preparation is essential to the health and comfort of your loved one during a natural disaster.
Rob McMahon, chief nurse practitioner for USC Brain Health and assistant clinical professor at the School of Medicine Columbia, details how caregivers can best prepare ahead of a storm.
Why it matters: A natural disaster can be a difficult experience for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Disruption of routines, changes in the physical environment and regular support systems can cause increased confusion and negative health impacts.
Prepare in advance: To ensure you have everything you need, make a checklist of the items below that takes into consideration your situation and the condition of your loved one.
Evacuation 🚗
- When advised to evacuate, don’t hesitate. Put your plan into action.
- Have a pre-determined location for evacuation, a family member or friend’s house, a hotel or an authorized shelter.
- Prior to storm season, determine if you live near a location that will serve as a
special needs shelter during emergencies.
Important documents 📄
- Before a storm approaches, make copies of important health, legal and insurance documentation such as drivers licenses, social security cards, health care directives and wills. Be sure to include heath care providers’ contact information.
- Store all documents and medications in waterproof bags. Take them with you if you need to evacuate.
- Create an identification and contact card for your loved one to keep in their pocket,
wallet or purse in the event that you become separated. Be sure to include a local
emergency contact as well as someone who lives outside the area in case local communications
become disabled.
Medications 💊
- Bring all your and your loved one’s medications.
- Include a list of medications and doses, with your important documents. Be sure to add helpful information like dietary restrictions and allergies.
- Contact health care providers about emergency or advanced refills ahead of major storms.
Comfort 🎶
- Do your best to maintain the person’s normal routine. Eat, sleep and take medications at the same time as you would on a regular day.
- Bring your loved one’s favorite portable food and drinks.
- Bring games and stuffed toys for comfort and diversion.
- Have some small, familiar items handy that bring comfort and reduce stress such as family photos, books, an iPad or a portable music player with their favorite songs.
Keep your circle in the loop: Communicate your plans with others that can provide support and assistance. Include
family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers or service providers. Make contact immediately
before and after a storm so they know what your plans are and how you are doing.
“Weathering a storm with someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can be challenging. If you stay alert to the weather, have a plan and are prepared before a storm approaches, the effects on the health and wellness of both you and your loved one can be diminished.”
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