Preparing for Emergencies with Your Senior Loved One
Caring for an aging loved one comes with many responsibilities. One of these responsibilities is being ready for emergencies. For families in Riverside County, being prepared can be the difference between a manageable incident and a crisis. In this article, we’ll give you tips to prepare for and handle common emergencies while caring for your senior loved one.
Falls
Falls are the most common type of emergency for the vast majority of seniors. If your senior loved one falls, first check to see if they are conscious and if they are injured. If they're unconscious or seriously injured, call 911 immediately. If their injuries are minor, help them up and support them with a chair. Make sure to follow up with a medical professional as soon as possible to identify any unseen injuries.
The best way to deal with falls is to prevent them before they happen. Search your loved one’s home for any lurking hazards. Add extra supports like grab bars to places your loved one has trouble traversing. If you need extra help, contact a fall-prevention professional like those on our team at Visiting Angels of Riverside County.
Medical Emergencies
Aging makes medical emergencies more likely; things like strokes, heart attacks, and other health emergencies are far more common in the elderly. For strokes, remember FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911.
With heart attacks, watch for chest pain, shortness of breath, and pain radiating to the arms or jaw. Keep a current list of your loved one's medications, allergies, and medical conditions easily accessible for emergency responders.
When the weather gets warmer, seniors are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, such as confusion, excessive sweating (or lack thereof), and high body temperature. Provide your loved one with plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes, wildfires, and flash floods can all occur in Riverside County. Create an emergency preparedness plan that includes:
- A detailed evacuation route with multiple options
- An emergency pack filled with canned food, water, and essential supplies
- Important documents in a waterproof container
- A battery-powered radio and flashlights
- A list of important phone numbers and addresses
Stay In Touch
Set up a reliable communication system with your family and your senior loved one’s healthcare providers. Program emergency numbers into your loved one's phone with large, easily readable text. Consider a medical alert system that allows seniors to call for help with the push of a button, particularly important for those living alone or with limited mobility.
Let Us Lend a Hand
Visiting Angels of Riverside County's professional caregivers are trained to assist with emergency situations that may arise. Our experienced team can also help prevent emergencies with proactive care strategies, careful monitoring, and individually designed care plans. If your loved one has a chronic medical condition like heart disease or diabetes, we also offer specialized in-home nonmedical care services.
Contact Visiting Angels of Riverside County Today to Learn More!
Don't wait for an emergency to create a safety plan for your aging loved one. Contact Visiting Angels of Riverside County today for a free in-home care consultation. Our care coordinators will assess your loved one's needs, discuss emergency preparedness strategies, and create a customized care plan that provides both you and your senior family member with peace of mind.
Call us at 951-727-4357 or fill out our online contact form to learn how our dedicated caregivers can help ensure your loved one's safety and well-being.