Tips for Helping Your Senior Through a Severe Weather Emergency

Homecare Highland Park IL - Tips for Helping Your Senior Through a Severe Weather Emergency

Advanced preparation such as packing an emergency kit and creating a communication plan, is just one  step in being ready for a severe weather emergency. As a family caregiver, it is also important to make sure your senior is properly prepared for what they should do while the emergency is happening in order to stay as safe and healthy as possible. This will not only work to reduce the risk of physical illness and injury, but can help to maintain better mental and emotional well-being throughout the experience as well. 

Use these tips to help your senior through a severe weather emergency:  

Encourage them to stay informed. Using a battery or crank operated radio, your parents should listen to broadcast about the weather emergency so they know how it is progressing, any changes in projections for the severity or time frame of the emergency, and any instructions that may be given such as evacuation orders . 

Stay in communication as much as possible. While it might be difficult to communicate with your parent during a severe weather emergency that causes power outages, ensure your senior has access to a mobile device and emergency battery so that you can keep in touch with each other throughout the event. If your parent does not have access to one of these mobile devices, be sure a nearby friend, family member, or neighbor is a part of your care network and can keep you updated about your parent's condition, and your parent updated about your well-being.  

Avoid use of candles. Many people immediately reach for candles when the power goes out, but these can be very dangerous, especially for elderly adults. Instead, use flashlights or other battery-operated lights.

Be generator-safe. Never bring a generator inside, or run one in a closed space such as a garage or shed. This can be extremely dangerous, and lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or fires. 

Encourage them to use their supplies effectively. Health and safety are vital during emergencies. Unless it is directly instructed by the authorities, your parent should not ration their food or water excessively, particularly their water. They should drink as much as they need to feel comfortable, with the intention of finding further water when necessary. 

Stay inside. Your senior should not go outside during an emergency unless there is a very severe situation such as a fire inside their home. They should not go out if there are fallen power lines, standing water, or other damage after the storm until it is deemed safe. 

Homecare can be one of the best additions to your care approach for your aging parent, both for them, and for you. The offerings of an elderly homecare services provider are completely customizable, which means you can feel confident your parent is getting exactly what they need, when they need it. With these homecare services, your parent can manage their challenges and limitations in ways that are right for them and their needs, while also enjoying more activity, more independence, and greater control over their life. For you as their family caregiver, this can give you a tremendous sense of confidence and peace of mind knowing your parent can have a higher quality of life even if you are not able to be with them as often as you would like.  

Source:  https://www.ready.gov/september

​If you or an aging loved one are considering Homecare Services in Highland Park IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823.

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