Life is always unpredictable and you never know when an emergency will come along. Whether it’s a natural disaster, health scare, or another emergency, you need to have a plan of action in place to make sure your aging loved one is taken care of and safe. If you are wondering what you need to do to make sure your senior loved one is safe during an emergency, these tips will help make sure they are ready for any kind of emergency. Share on X
When it comes to your loved one, it is important to have a solid plan of action in case of an emergency. This includes setting them up with a personal emergency response system, an assisted living home, and making sure their financial assets are protected. Here are some of the top ways you can ensure your loved one is prepared for an emergency situation:
Personal Emergency Response System
One of the most effective ways to make sure your loved one gets help during any type of emergency is to invest in a personal emergency response system (PERS). A personal emergency response system keeps seniors connected to 24/7 communication with a helpline. When an emergency occurs and the emergency button is pushed or it detects a fall, it automatically connects them to a response center and gives them two-way hands-free communication. These devices can be worn around their wrist or neck so it is there to help them at anytime an emergency happens.
Personal Support System & Plan
Everyone, especially seniors, needs to have a personal support system in place. Create a network of support with friends, family, and others who can assist your loved one during a disaster or emergency. Make sure your support system understands what needs to happen if an emergency happens and make sure your plan includes:
- Exchange Important Keys — Make sure multiple people have access to or copies of important keys to getting into your loved one’s home and other places they have their belongings.
- Important Documents and Health Information — Make sure people in the support system have copies or access to important documents and health information
- Emergency Plan for Pets — Many older people have pets that cannot be forgotten. Find (in advance) someone who is willing and able to take care of the pet in case of an emergency.
- Medical Care and Medicines — If your loved one undergoes routine medical treatments or takes medication, be sure to have a plan for getting them there or have back up medications to administer.
Assisted Living
If you are concerned about your loved one during an emergency or do not live close to them, an assisted living community is a good idea to make sure they are safe if a medical or natural disaster emergency occurs. This can be especially helpful if your loved one suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
ProTip: An assisted living home can make sure your loved gets the medical attention they need or keep them safe during a natural disaster.
Financial Security
Disasters can negatively impact mail services and can cause regular payments to be delayed. A good option to help combat this is to set up your loved one’s payments to be electronically deposited. This will help guarantee your loved one will be financially protected during a natural disaster.
Senior Care: Planning for an Emergency
If you have an aging senior in your life, planning ahead can make all the difference when it comes to an emergency. Creating a personal support system, getting them set up a personal emergency response system, or getting your loved one in a memory care or assisted living community can allow your loved to stay safe no matter what happens.
Contact us to learn more ways to help your loved one prepare in case of an emergency situation.
