Tips for Managing Evacuation with Your Elderly Parent

The thought of having to evacuate your home due to an emergency such as a hurricane can be terrifying. In many situations, however, it can be the only way to stay safe and secure during such an emergency. As a family caregiver, planning and preparing for the potential of an evacuation is not just about making sure that you and your family are ready. You must also think about your aging parent and how they will manage the situation safely.

Use these tips to help you manage evacuation with your senior parent:

• Start preparing in advance. You do not want to wait until an evacuation order has been made to start getting ready. Even before there is a threat of severe weather, make sure that your aging parent has a well-equipped emergency kit and an emergency plan has been made.
• Write out an emergency plan for your family. This should include contact information for everyone in the family as well as those outside of the affected area. It should also include steps to take in the event that there is an evacuation and all members of the family are not together.
• ​Identify emergency shelters in the area so that you know where to go if there is an evacuation.
• Before your aging parent leaves their home, write a note and leave it in a highly visible space. Include your parents name and the fact that they left, as well as where they went and your contact information.
• Be ready to secure the home. This can include unplugging electronic devices and appliances, cutting off the gas and water if necessary, and closing and locking doors and windows.
• Consider bringing your aging parent to stay in your home with you during potential weather emergencies. Not only will this make it easier for you to give them the care that they need without having it to leave the safety of your home, but it will also make it easier and faster to evacuate should the need arise.
• When evacuating, follow the specified evacuation route. Do not take shortcuts or detours as these may lead to dangerous delays or even getting stranded.
• Never drive into a flooded area.
• Prepare for potential hazards by wearing clothing that will provide protection, including long pants and long sleeves, but have lighter, cooler clothing available to change into.

Being a family caregiver for an aging adult can be stressful. You may find yourself feeling as though you do not have the time, energy, or capabilities to handle all of their needs and challenges in the way that they deserve. You may even find yourself feeling overwhelmed and experience physical, mental, and emotional strain as a result. Fortunately, home care can be there for you. The highly personalized services of an in-home senior care provider can fill care gaps and provide support so that your senior's individual challenges and needs are managed in the way that is right for them. These highly personalized services also mean that you will be able to take a step back from these care efforts, relieving your stress and giving you more time and energy to focus on other important aspects of your life such as caring for your children, your career, and yourself.

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Palm Beach County, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.