Thursday, September 23, 2010

Home Care San Antonio - Elderly Disaster Preparedness

Disaster Planning for Seniors – 5 Essentials for Being Well Prepared
Home Care San Antonio

Disaster can come in any form, be it hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, epidemics/pandemics, or fires. While it goes without saying that you must be prepared for them, remember that the elderly and aged in your family will require extra care and attention should such a scenario present itself. In such a case keep the following things prepared well in advance so that you do not have to bother with it in times to come.
1. Create a Disaster Plan: Know more about what kind of disasters have previously struck your area and what others can strike from your local emergency management office. Some things that you will need to consider are:
i. An evacuation plan.
ii. Emergency Supplies for Home Care and daily living.
iii. The Elder’s medication and vital records and information on home care they are receiving in San Antonio.
iv. Evacuation of bed-ridden seniors.
v. Special needs specific to the seniors in your family, example the hearing impaired will need a special warning etc.
vi. Comforting the elders in times of crisis.

2. Find out about Special Assistance within your community: Make sure to register with your local Emergency Service Office or Fire Department so that help may arrive quicker. Also talk with your neighbors and employers about disaster planning in your area and how they intend to deal with it. If you are having Home Care in San Antonio your care provider should be aware of your needs.

3. Disaster Supply Kits: In the event of a disaster, you might have to hold out on your own for three days or more. Pack the supplies in a duffle bag or backpack so that you may simply pick it up and go in case a disaster strikes. It will be prudent to have the following supplies ready just in case:
i. Your elder’s medication.
ii. Water, a normal active person needs at least 2 quarts of water a day, as you will be preparing for three days at least, you will need at least 6 quarts of water stored per person in your family. Use plastic or enamel lined metal containers, do not use glass as it can break.
iii. Food, canned food is best for preparing for disaster. Be sure to consider the dietary requirements of the seniors in your family, as they may have a different intake altogether.
iv. First Aid Supplies, these should include basic supplies like first aid manual, sterile bandages, cleansing agents, antibiotic ointments, petroleum jelly, 2 and 4 inch sterile gauge, cotton balls, scissors, needle, Antiseptic cream/lotion, aspirin, antacid, anti-diarrhea medication, laxative, vitamins etc.

4. Emergency Money: In the event of a disaster it is entirely possible that your local banks may shut down or you may lose access to ATM’s etc. In such a scenario be sure to have some saved cash on yourself. It is advisable to keep a small amount of cash and also traveler’s checks in an easily accessible place at your home.

5. Health insurance: Be sure that the health insurance of you and your elderly are updated.

Preparing for disaster is an absolutely must for anyone living with elderly persons. Not only will this ensure their survival but also your own. If you are receiving home care in San Antonio through licensed home care company information should have been given to you or your loved ones on disaster preparedness.