Page 33 - CANNABIS NEWS FLORIDA JULY 2020

HURRICANE SEASON:

Disaster Preparedness Tips for Families Facing Dementia

Emergency situations, such as hurri- • Keep all medications organized, in a power of attorney), medical documents • Make sure the person takes medica-
canes, can significantly impact everyone’s safe and accessible place. that indicate the individual’s condition tions as scheduled.
safety, but they can be especially upsetting • If you have a cell phone, store your and current medications, insurance • Schedule regular meals and maintain a
and confusing for individuals living with emergency contact numbers including cards, and Social Security cards regular sleep schedule.
Alzheimer’s and other dementias in any your local Alzheimer’s Association. Have • Use waterproof bags to hold medica- • Avoid detailed explanations.
stage of the disease. Being prepared is cru- an additional pre-charged battery. tions and documents • Provide additional assistance with all
cial. There are steps and precautions care- • If you do not have a cell phone, keep • Physician’s name, address and phone activities of daily living.
givers can take to be as ready as possible. an emergency call list with your medi- numbers (including cell phone) • Pay attention to cues that the person
Additionally, the Alzheimer’s Association cines. • Recent picture of the person with may be overwhelmed (fidgeting, pacing).
staff can provide counseling, support and • Pre-register at your county’s special dementia • Remind the person that he or she is in
assist displaced families in finding care needs shelter in case you need to evacu- • Lotion (good for soothing person) the right place.
for their loved ones through a 24/7 ate to a shelter. • Flashlights and batteries
helpline at 1-800-272-3900. • Know your evacuation route. • Battery-operated radio Helpful hints during an episode
The Alzheimer’s Association has devel- • Earphones (calming music) loud of agitation:
oped the following emergency prepared- Emergency Kit areas may increase agitation of our love • Approach the person from the front
ness guidelines to assist families and Consider preparing an emergency kit one and use his or her name.
caregivers coping with Alzheimer’s: in advance. Keep it in a watertight con- • Simple activities – photo album, scrap- • Use calm, positive statements and a
tainer and store it in an easily accessible books patient, low-pitched voice. Reassure.
Advance preparations location. Your emergency kit might • Respond to the emotions being
• Consult with your physician and include: Tips for preventing agitation: expressed rather than the content of the
pharmacy about what mechanisms they • Easy on/off clothes (a couple of sets) • Reassure the person. Hold hands or words. For example, say, “You’re fright-
have in place for continuity of care and • Supplies of medication (or minimal- put your arm on his or her shoulder. Say ened and want to go home. It’s ok. I’m
prescription needs in the event standard ly, a list of medications with dosages) things are going to be fine. right here with you.”
communications lines are down. • Velcro shoes/sneakers • Find outlets for anxious energy. Take a • Don’t argue with the person or try to
• If your loved one lives in a residential • Back-up pair of eyeglasses walk together or engage the person in sim- correct. Instead, affirm his or her experi-
facility, find out about its disaster and • Incontinence products ple tasks. ence, reassure and try to divert attention.
evacuation plans. Ask if you will be • Extra identification items for the per- • Redirect the person’s attention if he or For example, “The noise in this shelter is
responsible for evacuating your loved one. son, such as an ID bracelet and clothing she becomes upset. frightening. Let’s see if we can find a qui-
• Prepare an emergency kit (see below tags • Move the person to a safer or quieter eter spot. Let’s look at your photo book
for suggestions). • Copies of legal documents (such as place, if possible. Limit stimulation. together.”

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4 July 2020 southfloridahospitalnews.com South Florida Hospital News