Six Steps to Prepare for a Medical Home Care Emergency

Visiting Angels Lists Six Steps to Prepare for a Medical Home Care Emergency in Little Rock, and Surrounding Areas

Seniors are likely to experience an accident or medical emergency, so it’s important to be prepared. When you’re prepared, you can react calmly and purposefully when a home care crisis occurs. Visiting Angels of Little Rock lists six steps to ensure a positive outcome.

Seniors are likely to experience an accident or medical emergency, so it’s important to be prepared. When you’re prepared, you can react calmly and purposefully when a home care crisis occurs. Visiting Angels of Little Rock lists six steps to ensure a positive outcome.

1. Prepare a List of Emergency Contacts

   This list should include any children or adult grandchildren close to your loved one. It may also include doctors, a specialist or therapist, as well as friends or neighbors. If your loved one has memory issues, list the 911 emergency number at the top.

2. Know Your Loved One’s Allergies

   If your loved one is allergic to shellfish, peanuts, medications, or anything else, communicate that immediately. Keep a posted list in the home and in their purse or wallet. If the allergies require an EpiPen, have one handy and carry it with you when you’re out.

3. Practice Life-Saving Home Care Procedures

   If you have been trained on the Heimlich maneuver, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, or CPR, maintain these skills by watching training videos periodically and by practicing on a dummy. If your loved one has heart problems, familiarize yourself with emergency measures such as chest compressions or giving oral medications or injections. Visiting Angels of Little Rock can help you locate resources and practice techniques.

4. Pack a “Go Bag”

   Pack a bag in case you need to evacuate. A small rolling suitcase works well for seniors. Pack a three-day supply of medications, bottled water, nonperishable food, eyeglasses, and medical devices with extra batteries. Include travel-size cosmetics, toiletries, and cell phone chargers, plus copies of important documents sealed in a waterproof bag. Add a small first aid kit. Occasionally review and update the contents if needs change.

5. Stay Calm

   Yielding to panic can make the situation worse. Take a deep breath and follow the home care emergency plan you have laid out. Help others remain calm by speaking slowly and firmly. Direct them by giving tasks aligned with the plan.

6. Do Not Move an Injured Person
   If your loved one has fallen, do not move them. Call 911 and wait for medical professionals to evaluate their condition and determine if it’s safe to move them. Stay with your loved one until help arrives.

If you need home care assistance or want to learn more about how to prepare for a medical emergency involving your senior loved one, contact Visiting Angels of Little Rock at 501-222-9681.