Senior Care in Ashland OH
Turning on the news brings stories of disaster from around the world, such as drought, flooding, and even earthquakes. Therefore, it is essential for adult children and elder care providers to have a plan in the event a disaster does strike. Caring for a senior can be challenging, especially when the conditions are less than ideal; however, being prepared and having a plan can help to ease everyone’s mind, including the senior’s.
While planning for a disaster or an emergency may not seem a priority, planning for the worst and hoping for the best is always the best option to ensure everyone is prepared. When it comes to seniors with limited mobility, or who require certain medications and equipment to live, it is crucial to prepare – ahead of time – for disaster situations.
Why preparation for seniors makes sense
There are some basic steps that seniors can take to ensure they are prepared for a disaster or emergency situation. One of the first things they can do, along with the help of their adult children or elder care provider, is to establish a network of friends, relatives and neighbors to help during emergency situations. It is also suggested that seniors keep certain, specialized items on-hand including things such as: emergency food for themselves and their animals, medications, catheters, oxygen, wheelchair batteries and any other items that will make life possible in these situations.
It is also a good idea to arrange for federal benefits (for seniors who receive them) to be deposited electronically. Many disasters, such as hurricanes and landslides can disrupt the postal service.
Enroll in disaster education courses
While no one is going to become a disaster expert with these courses, they can be better prepared to take care of themselves. The American Red Cross offers a number of one hour classes at various senior centers where seniors and their senior care providers can learn what to do and who to call in emergency or disaster situations.
Create an evacuation plan
In some disaster situations, evacuation will be necessary. If a senior lives alone, it is essential to create an evacuate plan. Adult children can sit down with their parents to create a plan that includes such things as meeting places and who to call in these kinds of situations to help with evacuation. This is especially important for seniors who have mobility issues and who may not be able to get out on their own. When a plan is created, they will be able to feel confident that someone is coming for them if a disaster hits.
While no one wants to sit around thinking about disaster or emergency situations, creating a plan for a senior loved one is essential. This will provide them with peace of mind that if something were to happen, they will be taken care of. Adult children, senior care providers, and the seniors themselves can work together to create these plans to ensure everyone knows what to do in emergency situations.
If you are considering hiring senior care services near Ashland, Ohio, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161. Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Ashland, Bellville, Crestline, Galion, Loudonville, Mt. Gilead, Shelby, Wooster and the surrounding areas.
Source
http://www.redcross.org/local/wa/northwestregion/programs-services/get-prepared/disaster-education
http://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/housing/info-2012/emergency-disaster-preparedness-plans-for-seniors.html
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