One thing that seniors living alone should be prepared for is bad weather. It doesn’t matter what type of climate your senior parent lives in. They are at risk of some kind of bad weather or disaster like a wildfire. Hurricanes, tornadoes, heavy storms, snow storms, and other severe weather events can be very dangerous for seniors who live alone.
Even if you live close to your senior parent, you may not be able to get to them quickly in a weather emergency. Downed trees and power lines can make it impossible to get to their home quickly.
Seniors who live alone should have in-home care assistance so that they aren’t alone during a severe weather event. With in-home care, your senior parent will have a trained and experienced caregiver who can ensure their safety in severe weather.
Your senior parent should also be prepared for bad weather by stocking a storage closet or storm cellar with emergency supplies.
Every senior who is living at home should have these five things in the home in case of severe storms:
Emergency Kit
A well-stocked emergency kit should include non-perishable food, bottled water that includes least one gallon per person per day for three days, a manual can opener, a flashlight with extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, a first aid kit, and essential medications. If your senior parent has a pet it should also include water for the pet and food for the pet.
Your senior parent and in-home care providers should be made aware of the location of the emergency kit so they are prepared.
Backup Power Source
If your senior parent relies on medical equipment like an oxygen tank, a CPAP machine, or any other machinery that needs electricity then you should consider having a generator installed at their home. At the very least, make sure there are plenty of backup batteries. A solar charger for batteries should also be included with the emergency supplies.
If the power goes out due to lightning or wind, an in-home care provider can help your senior get the generator up and running.
Communication Devices
An essential piece of equipment is a charged cell phone with a backup battery or a power bank and a list of important phone numbers, including local emergency services, family members, and healthcare providers.
But you may also want to add a satellite phone and a NOAA weather radio to the emergency supply closet in case your senior parent needs emergency help and cell phone service is unavailable.
A lack of communication can be scary, but with in-home care, you have another option to ensure your loved one is safe in a storm.
Warm Clothing and Blankets
Extra warm clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags to stay warm if the heating system fails during cold weather conditions are essential. If your senior parent has a generator at home, include a small heater. A battery-operated fan or a swamp cooler can help your senior mom or dad stay cool in the summer if the power goes out because of a storm.
Personal Hygiene and Sanitation Supplies
Items such as wet wipes, hand sanitizer, garbage bags, and personal hygiene products are absolutely essential so that your senior parent and their in-home care provider can maintain cleanliness if power and water supplies are disrupted.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring In-Home Care in Chico, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855
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