 | Kevin Knaup received his Kansas Adult Care Home Administrator's license in 1983 and is the Administrator and part owner of Sunset Manor, Inc. in Frontenac, KS. He has been employed at Sunset Manor for 31 years. He is a member of Kansas Health Care Association and Kansas Adult Care Executives. He has served on various local and state committees for education and training in the Adult Care home field. |
Senior Living
2012-03-27 10:14:33
How should I prepare for disasters?
Q: I am new to being in the caregiving role and I am finding that there are numerous things for which I am not prepared. The recent storms for example, made me realize that I do not have a clue about keeping my grandfather safe in an emergency. I am frustrated that I do not know even the basics and feel like I am behind the learning curve on this. Can you give me some tips please?
A: First, thank you for taking on the role as caregiver. The task is a monumental one and you will find that there is always more to learn. Go easy on yourself though. Even people that have been involved in providing care for some time still find that every day is a new adventure.
Next, I appreciate you asking such an important and timely question. Including seniors in disaster plans is something that deserves much more attention. And it is not a topic for caregivers alone— a recent report issued by Hardford Financial Services Group, an insurance company that funds research on aging, notes that most older adults have not discussed disaster plans with their loved ones and do not have a disaster plan in place.
While it is nearly impossible to plan for every eventuality, you can take steps to incorporate valuable precautions.
Here is a list to get you started:
• Start talking. Incorporate your loved one in the planning of a disaster plan. The conversation may lead to understanding their needs better and the most comprehensive plan possible.
• Talk to their physician and find out what medications you can get for an emergency preparedness kit and what other things you ought to know if emergency services are not available.
• Take first aid and CPR and arm yourself with knowledge that could prove useful to your loved one and neighbors.
• Prepare a kit that includes everyday essentials that your loved one may need, remembering that the pressures of the circumstance may demand additional needs or extra supplies. For example, in an emergency your diet may change because of loss of power or reduced resources which could be very hard on the sensitive digestive system of an older adult so extra toiletries would be very beneficial.
• Remember to pack back-up of important items such as glasses, hearing aids, hearing aid batteries, collapsible walking aids.
• Include items that would bring comfort and entertain your loved one such as a bible, novels, crosswords, or crafts.
• Talk to neighbors and include them in your plan. If you are at work part of the day, ask neighbors to assist in case of an emergency. Make sure they know where to find all of your supplies and have all contact numbers.
• When creating an emergency food supply, consider special diets, hard candy for diabetic lows, and foods the loved one would normally be able to eat.
Also, consider joining a caregiver support group where you will gain a wealth of information from people in the midst of providing care. I wish you the very best of luck.
