Damaging winds, clean water shortages, power outages, and flooding are all unfortunate circumstances that are possible during a hurricane. It often takes several day or weeks for emergency crews to clear roadways and restore power, allowing residents access to medical attention and essential supplies.

How Hurricanes Threaten the Elderly

Hurricanes pose specific dangers for the elderly, such as:

• Water, medicine, and food shortages
• Looting and vandalism after the storm
• Flying debris
• Social isolation
• Risk for dehydration, malnutrition, or illness

Many seniors depend on life-saving medical equipment that needs electricity to operate. In addition, the average elderly adult takes at least four different prescription medications every day. Without access to electricity to run the equipment or their daily prescriptions, seniors are at great risk in a hurricane.

Hurricane Season Preparedness Tips for Seniors

In order to keep senior citizens safe, an effective hurricane preparedness plan must be in place. From emergency supplies to medication reminders, there are certain steps that can be taken to keep the elderly safe during a hurricane.

If the senior will be sheltering in place, it is important to prepare a home emergency kit. The emergency kit should contain the following:

• Medication, including OTC pain relievers
• Water for drinking
• Snack bars
• Flashlight
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Cell phone with charger and extra battery
• Extra pair of contact lenses or glasses

In order to save time in an emergency, it is important to keep emergency supplies on hand. Have a strategy that includes in-home care services, such as a caregiver who can routinely check-in with your loved one.

Make sure to set reminders for all medications that need to be taken regularly. Determine evacuation plans so that everyone knows where they are supposed to go and what to do if they are forced to leave their home.

How Do the Caregivers at Capital City Nurses Help Seniors During Hurricane Season?

You have the option to include Capital City Nurses in your hurricane preparedness plan. Capital City Nurses sets the standard for providing high-quality, reliable in-home care throughout Maryland, DC and Northern Virginia.

Because we have seen more than our share of hurricanes throughout they ears, we have emergency elderly care protocols in place. We provide home care assistance that ensures the elderly remain safe during hurricanes. As a fully-licensed center for senior care in Great Falls, VA, the disaster preparedness plan we offer is in compliance with all state and federal guidelines.

Included in our senior care services in Great Falls, VA is rehab and post-op care, medication management, and home healthcare. Our caregivers are skilled professionals that have been trained in the latest communication technology and providing for seniors even in the most challenging situations. To learn more about our senior care services in Great Falls, VA, give us a call today at 301-652-4344. You can also contact us through our online form or send us an email. The members of our team are standing by ready to help you and your loved ones.