Making a plan is the start to becoming prepared for emergencies. A plan, however, is only useful if it helps all family members. Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing for emergencies with older adults and adults with disabilities:
- Provide a list of your needs to all of your emergency and alternate contacts, including: medication lists (dosage, treatment, and allergy information), dietary restrictions, and physical limitations.
- Make a list of your medical equipment (including style and serial numbers). Demonstrate how you use it with your emergency
contacts. - Copy your insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security cards. Note names and contact information for your physician(s), clinics, and pharmacy.
- If you have trouble communicating because of a disability, write down the best way to communicate with you. Also note if English isn’t your primary language.
- Plan for the worst-case scenario (being alone for a few days). Emergency personnel may not be able to reach you immediately.
- Contact your local fire and police departments to let them know of your needs.
- If you are dependent on treatments at a local clinic, include an alternate clinic location outside of the county in your plan.
- If you rely on home care agencies or caregivers, include them when creating your plan. Make sure all caregivers who where your plan is located in your home.
Goal:
Make a plan that includes everyone’s needs.
Things to Do:
Write down a list of all of your special needs, including medication and medical equipment.
Include ways that you can communicate with your contacts and emergency personnel.
Plan for the extreme. Figure out how you can survive on your own for a period of time. Locate alternative clinics in other parts of the state if you rely on life-saving treatments.
Resources:
do1thing.com
ready.wi.gov
emergency.cdc.gov
Caregivers – How can you get involved?
Talk with your supervisor at work abotu the plan. Let him/her know what you will need to do during a crisis situation, especially if that includes you leaving work.
Make sure your loved one understands the plan. Have a run-through of some of the situations, ensuring instructions are clear.
Focus on comfort. If your plan includes alternate meeting places, take your loved one there before a situation occurs. Have alternate emergency contacts talk to your loved one on a regular basis. The more familiar the situation, the easier it will be for your loved one to use these resources during an emergency.
