Caregiver Hurricane Preparedness Seminar

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Caregiver Hurricane Preparedness Seminar

• Presented By
• Nancy Teten, LCSW, CAP
• Chief of Clinical Services
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Ph (813) 866 1611 ext 4370

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Cause For Concern

• 54 million people in the United States have a
  disability.
• Nearly 4 million people require assistance with
  daily life activities (U.S. Census).
• 61 of people with disabilities have not made
  plans to quickly and safely evacuate their homes.
• 58 of people with disabilities do not know whom
  to contact about emergency plans for their
  community in the event of a disaster.

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Disability Rates

• U.S. Census data reports that FL has a disability
  population of 22.2 (Tampa 24.1) vs. U.S.
  disability population of 19.3.
• U.S. Census data reports that FL has an elderly
  population (65 and over) of 17.6 (Tampa 12.5)
  vs. U.S. elderly population of 12.4.

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4 Steps To Live By

• Get informed educate yourself on how to stay
  safe.
• Make a plan take the time to plan ahead of the
  need.
• Assemble a kit figure out what works best for
  you and your loved one.
• Maintain your plan and your kit keep an action
  plan on the fridge, keep a list of kit contents,
  additions to the kit (as necessary), and inform
  others of the location of the kit.

5
Ways To Ease Stress

• Be prepared before the hurricane hits or
  evacuation is suggested or ordered.
• Maintain routine, as much as possible.
• Promote healthy eating.
• Get proper rest.
• Get some exercise.
• Schedule relaxation time.
• Talk with others in support network.

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When Evacuation Is Likely

• People with Alzheimers disease (AD) and dementia
  cannot be expected to understand what is
  happening.
• Leave as early as possible to help avoid long
  evacuation lines and to help you and your loved
  one adjust to the changes that are about to
  occur.
• Pack previously purchased extra medications in
  your emergency box.
• Consider using a transport wheelchair to expedite
  transporting them out of the weather.

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Coping Strategies For Evacuation

• Know where special needs shelters are located and
  several ways to get there.
• Use pre - printed instructions in protector
  sheets or plastic as reminders.
• Use therapeutic fibbing if necessary.
• Avoid long explanations.
• Remain calm. Remember people with AD/dementia
  mirror your emotions and behaviors.

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Preventing Problem Behaviors

• Keep environment as calm as possible.
• Limit their access to television, radio,
  newspapers, etc., if possible.
• Keep communication simple.
• Provide reassurance respond to the emotion
  Say, Its ok. Im here with you. I will take
  care of you.

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Preventing Problem Behaviors

• Keep sleep, medication, mealtimes, and activities
  as scheduled.
• Dont argue or try to reason. Their reality is
  real to them.
• Use redirection if the person becomes agitated,
  tearful, or upset.
• Provide familiar and favorite things to comfort
  them.
• Enlist the help of others if you feel frustrated
  or overwhelmed.

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Final Thoughts

• Emergencies strike without warning and can force
  you to evacuate your home or force you to remain
  in your home.
• Knowing what to do is your best protection and
  your responsibility.
• Know your escape routes and safe places.
• Know how to contact your loved ones and inform
  them of how to contact you.
• Ask for help if you need it!