Summer storms are getting more intense every year. And seniors who live in areas that are prone to tornadoes, hurricanes, and other violent storms need to be ready for the unexpected. If seniors want to age in place and stay in their family homes as they get older then they need to be sure that those family homes are ready for any severe weather that might be coming in the summer. Summer storms can cause power outages, home damage, and even fires if trees fall over and disrupt electrical wires. Some of the best storm preparation tips for seniors that are aging in place are:
Get Support from 24-Hour Home Care
Seniors that are aging in place should have 24-hour home care so that they’re never alone. During a serious weather event, electrical outage, or fire, seniors will be safer if they have 24-hour home care. When seniors have 24-hour home care someone will always be awake, even overnight, so that the care giver can get your senior parent up and out of the house safely if necessary. The caregiver can also make sure that your senior parent gets safely to the emergency shelter if a storm hits quickly.
Have A Fully Stocked Emergency Shelter Room
Seniors should always have a safe room in their homes where they can go during a bad storm. The safe room should be an interior or underground room like a utility room, interior bathroom, or basement. Your senior parent should keep that room stocked with plenty of water, some food, blankets, medicine, copies of their important papers, and pet supplies if they have a pet. Keep copies of the pet’s records along with mortgage and insurance information and any financial documents that can’t be easily replaced.
Get A Landline Phone
Who has a landline phone these days? Seniors who gave up their landline phone should get a landline again. If the electricity is out and Wifi calling doesn’t work and your senior parent’s phone is dead or lost there would be no way for your senior parent to contact help if they needed it. With a landline phone you can sure that your senor parent will have access to a working phone in order to get in touch with you or call emergency services if they need help.
Keep The Car Full Of Gas And Ready To Go
If your senior parent still has a car that car needs to be kept up. Getting the oil changes periodically, checking the fluids, and making sure it has gas in it are all important because your senior parent may need that camper to escape the weather someday. In an emergency there won’t be time to stop for gas, and there may not be any gas to get. Pumps can be damaged by storms, or shut down because there is no gas available. That’s why you or your senior parent should make sure that the car is always full of gas. You never know when a weather emergency might strike.
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable 24-hour home care in Dacula, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.
We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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