Hurricane Season with Dementia
It is crucial to receive proper training on how to handle individuals with dementia during a disaster. Hurricanes Irma and Michael proved the importance of this. I have been grateful for the opportunity to educate and train employees of the Florida Health Department on providing care and increasing awareness for those with dementia.
As a caregiver for loved ones with dementia during a natural disaster, you may face two daunting challenges: the impending storm outside and the resulting chaos in your loved one’s mind. If this scenario occurs, you won't have time to think, so it's crucial to plan ahead.
If you find yourself in a situation like this, you cannot depend on others for assistance. Everyone will be busy preparing for the impending hurricane or thunderstorm, and they may not be able to help. Your loved ones will probably be scared and uncooperative during these events. The constant news coverage of high winds and potential storm surges will only increase their anxiety levels, not to mention the caregiver's stress. If an evacuation is necessary, it can be especially challenging for those with memory impairments. Any disruption in their daily routine, let alone being in a completely new environment, can cause significant distress.
Always use redirection to keep them calm.
Here are some items I highly recommend packing as you plan to evacuate.
Prescription medication for 7-10 days (each in its original bottle) with clearly marked medication name, dosage, prescriber information, pharmacy name and phone number
Glasses and hearing aids with replacement batteries
Documents: insurance information cards, physician names and contact info, next of kin information, names of home health, hospice and durable medical equipment providers including dialysis, if applicable.
Power of Attorney, Legal Guardianship and Health Care Surrogate. (These documents should be backed up electronically on your phone.)
Wound care or diabetic supplies.
Incontinent supplies.
Oxygen O2 and supplies ( such as concentrator and attachments) if used at home.
Wheelchair or walker if needed.
Clothing including socks, underwear, shirt, pants jacket, pajamas for 7 days and closed toe shoes.
Favorite warm blanket and pillow.
Reading materials, games you may play at home, family photos to inspire memories and crafts.
Music therapy. MP3 players with preloaded song list, equipped with a headset and a backup battery or charging bank.
Preparing for a Special Needs Shelter
Familiar snacks or foods that meet your dietary restrictions. Food is avail-able, but there aren’t many choices.
Cell phone with extra battery or charging bank. The shelter’s power must be reserved for oxygen and other medical equipment.
If the client is fidgety, pack something tactile for them Caregiver! (Photo albums or magazines, playing cards.)
Service animals̶̶̶̶̶̶̶̶̶—bring food, bedding, water bowl, cage, medications, leash, toys and proper records. (Please keep in mind you will be limited on how much stuff you can bring. Make it count.)
Don't forget about pets. My father adored our cat and often seemed to prioritize its well-being over his own while battling Alzheimer's Disease. Make sure your loved one knows their pet will be taken care of.
Maintain a calm and reassuring demeanor. Have tranquil conversations with them as much as possible, reminding them that you are there to help with whatever they may need. Be patient, as you may have to repeat yourself multiple times during this challenging time. It's crucial not to get overwhelmed; the more composed you appear, the less anxious they will feel.
It's essential to plan ahead, especially in regards to potential emergencies. Your local Chamber of Commerce and County Health Department are great resources for information on special needs shelters. In 2015, Florida enacted a law allowing those with dementia to seek shelter at designated facilities for people with disabilities. It's important to research and pre-register at a shelter that best meets your needs. Keep in mind that individuals with dementia may struggle in loud, crowded spaces, making music therapy an ideal solution with the use of headphones. If possible, seeking refuge at a friend or relative's home may provide a calmer environment.
Even individuals who are stable and waiting out the storm in a public shelter will likely be anxious about the potential destruction of their homes. The tension in these places can be overwhelming for those affected by dementia.
Unfortunately, it's also important to have a backup plan in case you cannot return home due to severe damage or a power loss.
Today is the perfect day to create your emergency preparedness and evacuation plan. Don't wait until it's too late!
Gary Joseph LeBlanc, CDCS
Director of Dementia Education
Dementia Spotlight Foundation
