In and of themselves, hurricanes are scary. You're monitoring the pending storm, readying your home, deciding to evacuate, living in a hotel, and returning to a home that may be damaged or, heaven forbid, destroyed. Just the uncertainty surrounding the situation can make anyone feel some anxiety. Now imagine going through that situation with a cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer's/dementia. As a primary caregiver to a loved one with dementia, here are some things to think about while keeping seniors safe during a hurricane.
Some quick facts about Alzheimer's. According to the Alzheimer's Association, 5 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer's disease. And the disease is only progressing, by 2050 that number could reach 16 million. There are currently 15 MILLION PEOPLE PROVIDING UNPAID CARE for people with Alzheimer's or other dementias.
So how DO you provide care for someone with Alzheimer's while preparing for a hurricane?
We know the cognitive symptoms associated with Alzheimer's/ dementia are:
...with the behavioral symptoms being:
With that in consideration, here are 4 things to keep in mind when helping a senior loved one through a stressful time.
1. Take the Team approach.
As a primary caregiver for someone who has cognitive impairments, it's hard not to feel like everything falls on you. It's sometimes difficult to continue the same level of care and attention when you are trying to prepare for something stressful like a hurricane. Having a partner, friend or an in-home caregiver come and spend time with your loved one can help free you up to complete any necessary preparations without passing on undue worry.
2. Remain Calm
A senior with Alzheimer's/dementia can sense when those around them are anxious, especially their primary caregiver. Working hard to keep yourself calm in stressful situations is not only a benefit for your personal health, but also keeps your loved one from shouldering unnecessary emotional stress that they simply don't have the capacity to bear.
3. Stay with your loved one
Change of place or perceived stress may trigger behavioral symptoms that have never surfaced before, such as wandering. When in an unknown place, stay with your loved one. Should you need to leave, make sure you have someone that can keep an eye on him/her in your absence, even if it's just for a short bit. Registering with MedicAlert®+ Alzheimer's Association Safe Return® can also be a precautionary step. This service is monitored 24/7 should an emergency arise.
4. Use these Alzheimer's behavioral symptom management strategies
Need an hurricane supply checklist? Check out part 1 of this blog series, Hurricane planning for seniors.
Need help caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's/Dementia? Get a FREE dementia home care consultation to see how home care may be the right move for you.