VISITING ANGELS PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL 561-328-7611
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HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS PLAN FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY SENIORS

How can you keep your Senior loved one safe from the hazards of hurricane season? Hurricane preparedness can be complex with walkers and wheelchairs, hearing and vision loss, or when regular medical treatment and medications are essential. How do you find peace of mind when an elderly family member with age related illnesses or cognitive impairment is living alone, a distance away, or in an evacuation zone? You need to plan ahead.

 

 First, decide if the projected direction and strength of the storm will impact the ability of your loved one to remain in their home. If the decision is made to evacuate, highways will be congested or flooded, so plan to leave as far in advance as possible. If the decision is made to stay, then make protecting your loved one and their residence a priority. Have an alternate residence lined up in case of damage to the home, and buy a medical alert device that can track an individual if they wander or go missing. If medical equipment that runs on electricity is required, if your Senior family member has dementia or a medical condition that needs monitoring, or if they require custodial care, register immediately with the Palm Beach County special needs shelter. Transport is provided. Space is limited. You will still need to pack the items listed in #2 below. To find out more visit: https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/disability/disability-shelters/ You may also call Keith Wall at 561-712-6329 or email him at kwall@pbcgov.org.

Second, even if your Senior loved one should decide to remain in their home, they should still be able to protect themselves in the event of a serious storm.  Here’s how to help them prepare properly:

Gather a support network of people in the area who can check on your loved one in an emergency, assess their safety and provide assistance. Give each a key to the residence in advance, and be sure they know where the “emergency” supplies are kept. Plan how you will contact each person if telephones/cellphones may not be working. Texting is often available even if a phone call will not go through. Have a pre-prepared list of the Senior’s doctors and prescriptions on hand, as well as copies of any advanced directives and insurance information.

Establish what are the essential items needed to survive at home for at least 3 days, and evaluate what might be required in case of evacuation. Bundle these supplies in a large travel bag with wheels and keep it in a handy spot. The “Senior Survival Kit” should include:

  •         Bottled water, approximately 1-3 gallons per day;
  •         First aid kit and a week supply of medications, medical devices, supplies of oxygen, inhalers; extra pair of eyeglasses, hearing aids, Depends etc.;
  •         Cell phone and charger; written list of important phone numbers and contact info in case the phone dies;
  •         Flashlight or lantern, battery operated radio and a whistle;
  •         Protein bars and other wrapped or easy-to-open packaged food;
  •         Clothing and a blanket.

Make an emergency response plan to fit the Senior’s abilities and physical limitations, and the procedures in their community. It is easier to stay calm when you know what to do! Try to maintain the daily routine as much as possible. Things to consider:

  •          Rehearsing an evacuation, the fastest way out of the home to the nearest friend, relative, or safe public area;
  •          Contacting the local township about arranging for evacuation if the Senior does not have a car or cannot drive;
  •          Keeping canes, walkers and wheelchairs in a central, accessible area;
  •          Figuring out alternative sources for keeping items cool, especially medications;
  •          Developing a plan for cooking, garbage, and waste management;
  •          Pre-testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, know how to shut off utilities if lines are damaged;
  •          Making a contingency plan for any household pets and their needs;
  •          Finding out about long term care benefits, and home health services or care management options if the Senior is alone;
  •          Putting passports, social security cards, wills, birth certificates etc., in a safety deposit box, and making digital copies;
  •          Talking to an insurance agent in advance about homeowner’s or hazard policies in place.

If your Senior loved one resides in an assisted living facility or nursing home, chances are a disaster response plan already exists. If they receive homecare, be sure to ask the Home Health Agency in place about their hurricane procedures and comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.

Additional resources and helpful checklists can be found here in English and Spanish: http://www.ready.gov/seniors.  The Palm Beach County Red Cross provides food, shelter and first aid in emergency situations, call 561-833-7711 or visit their websites for additional resources and information: http://www.redcross.org/local/florida/south-florida/local-chapters/palm-beach-martin-county. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other community based associations, or even the fire department. The Alzheimer’s Community Care 24-hour crisis line operates before, during and after the storm, call 800-394-1771.

Hurricanes have a mental, physical and emotional impact on the elderly. Confusion, agitation, and an increase in fall or wandering risk is common during an emergency. Don’t wait for a hurricane warning – get ready now, and consider all the possible scenarios. Your loved one may benefit from homecare assistance to help with gathering supplies and essentials, or preparing to evacuate. A Home Health Agency can verify your loved one’s wellness and safety, and make sure food, water, and medications are available.

Till Next Time!

Irv Seldin, JD, President and Owner, Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches

This article is not intended as medical, legal or financial advice.

Serving Palm Beach Gardens, Palm City, Jupiter, Juno Beach, Hobe Sound, Stuart, West Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County and Martin County, FL

Visiting Angels PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL
8645 N Military Trl #407
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Phone: 561-328-7611
Fax: 561-328-7607

Serving Palm Beach Gardens, Palm City, Jupiter, Juno Beach, Hobe Sound, Stuart, West Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County and Martin County, FL

Visiting Angels PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL
8645 N Military Trl #407
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Phone: 561-328-7611
Fax: 561-328-7607

"My 90 year old mother fell and broke her arm a year ago and was in real need of home care. Knowing the great reputation of Visiting Angels, I called them after checking their recent(wonderful) reviews. This gave me the confidence to start services. We had to do 24 hour care for many months as mom couldn’t do much for herself. Our experience has been very positive, the caregivers have been competent and caring. Honorable mention needs to go to our care coordinator Jackie who has always been willing and able to meet requests, listen attentively to mom’s changing needs and make any adjustments in hours and staffing! I am out of state and knowing that my mother’s needs are met for safety and compassionate quality care is priceless!"

– Debbie D. (More reviews here)

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐