By Connie Parsons
Although seniors made up only 15% of the population of New Orleans before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, according to Knight Ridder, 74% of the hurricane victims were older adults. These events served as a grim reminder that older adults are disproportionately at risk in disaster situations, and emergency preparation is an even greater concern for this population.
The U.S. Administration on Aging’s National Family Caregiver Support Program and Illuminage Communication Partners are pleased to announce the consumer guide, Just in Case: Emergency Readiness for Older Adults and Caregivers.
This free consumer resource includes a 12-page fact sheet and checklist that will help older adults and caregivers prepare for emergencies. Special emphasis is placed on issues that affect older adults, disabled persons, and their caregivers due to medical conditions, physical challenges, assistive devices, and mobility issues.
Just in Case presents an easy-to-do three step approach to emergency preparedness:
- Step 1 focuses on a handful of essential things a person should know
- Step 2 covers emergency supplies, both for surviving at home and for evacuation if necessary
- Step 3 is creating a personal plan that takes into account a person’s own unique medical and physical needs.
Just in Case is a valuable and timely resource for older adults and their caregivers. It both encourages personal responsibility and also provides direction to additional assistance in the community, empowering those who go through the steps to prepare themselves and their loved ones in case of an emergency. I think every care professional, senior, and caregiver should read it and share it with clients, families, friends, and anyone else they care about.
The Advocare Care Management team has experience creating and implementing an emergency preparedness plan that meets a client’s specific physical and environmental needs. Our care management team can purchase and organize supplies in preparation for a Hurricane, as well as coordinate moving to a safer space if the client’s needs are not able to be managed at home.
The Advocare Care Management team advocates for seniors and offers a range of products and resources to ensure they age gracefully. We offer customized assessments, advice, and resources to assist you and your loved ones. Our services are available through Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties. Our dedicated professionals are available 24 hours a day to help you. Contact us now to see how we can simplify caring for a loved one.
The article is reprinted with permission from Aginglife.org. Advocare Care Management is the preeminent resource in South Florida when caring for aging loved ones.