Preparing for bad weather with your elderly parents can be challenging and takes careful planning. It’s a good idea to get an emergency plan together before you’re faced with an emergency. Here are 9 ways to prepare your elderly parents for bad weather.
1. Get All Your Documents Together
You should have copies of your elderly parent’s insurance documents, Medicare, will, and Social Security information. It should be stored in a safe place and be ready to go if bad weather hits.
2. Create a Support Network
You should create a support network of family, friends, caregivers, neighbors, and others who can assist in an emergency. Make sure that they have access to a spare key and know the emergency plan. They should also know where the medication is and how to administer it. Additionally, they should know where important documents, lifesaving equipment, and emergency supplies are stored.
3. Create a Communication Plan
Discuss with your elderly parents how you will communicate in case of bad weather. If phone service isn’t available, agree on a meeting place for you, your parents, and your support system.
4. Create an Emergency Kit
Your emergency kit should include extra medication, food, and all the essentials. You should include everything recommended for an emergency kit, including batteries, flashlights, and a NOAA Weather Radio.
5. Arrange for Transportation
Know how you will evacuate your elderly parents. You should also arrange for care with your providers. Do your parents need routine care? If your local hospital is unable to take patients, find out where else you can go in an emergency.
6. Arrange for Electronic Benefits
If you receive benefits in the mail, your benefits may get disrupted in bad weather. Arrange for electronic payments with your local Social Security office. This way, you won’t miss any payments that your parents rely on.
7. Get Pet Care
If your elderly parents have a service animal, you may have to arrange for pet care. Your parents may not be able to take the pet with them in an emergency. Ask if a local shelter or someone in your support network can help. Sometimes shelters aren’t able to accept animals, so always have a backup plan for your animals.
8. Stay Informed
Make sure you tune into local news and are enrolled in the Emergency Alert System. You should also stay in contact with local community groups such as Community Emergency Response Teams. Neighborhood watches or places of worship can also be helpful in an emergency.
9. Attend Events
Your local senior center may also have events to help you prepare for bad weather. Your local Community Emergency Response Team is also a great resource.
Be Prepared for an Emergency
Don’t be faced with an emergency without a plan. By preparing your elderly parents and your support system for bad weather, you won’t be left scrambling if a natural disaster is looming. Prepare your parents’ emergency kit and important documents, stay informed, and always have a backup plan.
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