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Hurricane Guide 2006	Hurricane Preparation Guide 2006

Crisis may keep caregiver away

If you or a relative depend on outside assistance in the home, make a plan now in case that aid is interrupted.

By Times Staff
Published April 16, 2006

Caregivers must develop an action plan for their family members or clients long before a hurricane blows into the Gulf of Mexico.

"We're trying to get people to plan now," said Beverly Burton, senior resource director with the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas Inc. in St. Petersburg.

"If you depend on outside assistance to remain independent, you can't assume it will continue to happen, such as the person who bathes you or brings meals to you - none of that may happen during or after a storm," Burton said.

"If you're not able to function without assistance, you need to make some plans where that kind of support is available."

For a person with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, a disruption of routine or an evacuation to a shelter can be extremely stressful.

The newsletter of the Alzheimer's Family Organization in New Port Richey offers these tips:

n Make sure someone outside the storm area has the patient's identification, medical information and contact information.

n Make sure the patient has identification. The AFO offers Wanderer's Identification bracelets and necklaces in case the patient becomes lost or separated from a caregiver. Contact the AFO at (727) 848-8888 or toll-free 1-888-496-8004 for information.

n If you choose not to evacuate, prepare a hurricane kit with at least a two-week supply of medication, a list of dosages and instructions, first aid supplies and important phone numbers.

n If a caregiver decides to remain at home, it is important that the person with Alzheimer's or dementia has enough activities, especially if the power goes out. Plan to do things that keep the patient calm.

n The constant surge of television and radio reports are vital during emergencies. But the steady replays of storm images can be upsetting to someone who doesn't understand that the same images are being repeated.

n People with dementia and Alzheimer's pick up on the vibes around them. If caregivers and others are calm and collected, they will be too.

On the Web

n Go to www.agingcarefl.org and click on Aging Topic, then go to disaster preparedness for information on what to do before and after the storm.

n Go to elderaffairs.state.fl.us and click on Disaster Preparedness on the right side. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs' Disaster Preparedness Guide for Elders contains information about disasters of many types.

[Last modified April 13, 2006, 16:09:47]