Consider Needs of Seniors During Hurricane Preparation

Home Instead®
Published: September 13th, 2018

Home Instead Senior Care offers simple tips to help older adults stay safe.

OMAHA, Neb. - Sept. 13, 2018 // PRNewswire // - Older adults are among the most vulnerable when hurricanes strike. With millions of people facing the threat of severe weather this hurricane season, Home Instead Senior Care is offering tips to prepare and keep older adults safe during a weather emergency.

"Severe weather, especially flooding and evacuations, can be stressful and frightening for older adults and families," said Lakelyn Hogan, gerontologist at Home Instead Senior Care. "For older adults who have limited mobility or rely on medications, having a plan can ease anxiety and ensure safety."

Home Instead Senior Care recommends the following to help older adults and families prepare for a weather emergency:

• Make a plan. Communicate frequently to develop a plan of action for when unexpected weather hits. Be sure to discuss with people who are a key part of ensuring the safety of a loved one, such as neighbors, caregivers and friends.
• Tune in. Stay abreast of what's going on through your local radio or television station or emergency management office.
• Decide early. When deciding to evacuate, older adults should go sooner rather than later. Stay informed about whether evacuation is crucial. For older adults who require mobility assistance, waiting too long to evacuate can be a serious threat.
• Assemble a kit. An essentials kit will help avoid waiting in long lines for supplies. Have a kit packed and ready with things like food, water, flashlights, personal documents and other essential items. Have at least a one-month supply of medication on hand at all times. This is particularly important for seniors who rely on multiple prescriptions.
• Pack extras and copies. Store other important documents in a waterproof protector including copies of prescriptions, car title registration and driver's license, insurance documents and bank account numbers and spare checkbook. Also pack extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries. Label every piece of important equipment or personal item in case they are lost.
• Note all contacts. Compile a list of important contacts, including a loved one's support network, doctors and other healthcare professionals. The information can be recorded and kept in a free Home Instead Senior Emergency kit, available at www.senioremergencykit.com
• Ask for help. If you do not live near a loved one, enlist the help of family or friends, or contact a company that provides professional caregiving.

For more senior and caregiver resources on preparedness, visit www.caregiverstress.com

About Home Instead Senior Care

The Home Instead Senior Care network provides personalized care, support and education to help enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, this network is the world's leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, with more than 1,100 independently owned and operated franchises that provide more than 70 million hours of care throughout the United States and 11 other countries. Local Home Instead Senior Care offices employ approximately 70,000 CAREGivers^SM worldwide who provide basic support services that enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. The Home Instead Senior Care network works with clients and their family members to meet varied individual needs. Services span the care continuum - from providing personal care to specialized Alzheimer's care and hospice support. Also available are family caregiver education and support resources.

SOURCE Home Instead Senior Care