Emergency Response Plans – For Caregivers and Others

Emergency Response Plans – For Caregivers and Others

Emergencies come in a variety of shapes and sizes; never at the most opportune moments. When I think of an emergency, I think of a natural disaster, a fall, a sudden illness, some event that requires quick action. Preparing for unavoidable emergencies is important, whether or not you are caring for someone.

You and your family can know all the safe exits from your home. You may have a storm shelter tucked away with all the necessary items for a short stay in case a sudden storm hits. Every member of your household has been told where important phone numbers are and who to call in an emergency.

If you need outsiders to come in to help care for your loved one, you have provided this information to the agency and attendant. Your emergency response plan is in place, you are well prepared. Or is it you?

Let’s say you are caring for your mother at home. Contract sitter Karen has arrived and you are on your way to a well-deserved outing with friends. Karen has been to his house before; she is very trustworthy and you feel comfortable leaving her in charge.

Let’s say an emergency arises while you’re away and Karen needs to make a quick decision about her patient’s care. She contacted her supervisor or nurse and it was determined that she should call 911. Calls to her cell phone have been unsuccessful.

Your mother cannot communicate well due to dementia or Alzheimer’s. Does Karen know her doctor? His meds from her? His allergies from her? Does she know where to find you? Will she know where she should take the emergency team?

While caring for my mother, agencies often sent caregivers who didn’t know us. Even family and friends who helped may not have automatically known the answers to the above questions.

I made a little information card for anyone (including us) to give to the ambulance or emergency room staff or anyone who might need the information. I posted a copy of this card on the wall in every room in the house, including the bathrooms and kitchen, and by the front door. I didn’t expect emergencies to arise, but I prepared myself in case they did.

#1. Start with the basic information: the person’s name, address, and date of birth. Be sure to include the relationship and the names of other people who live in the home.

#two. Be thorough in considering necessary medical information: your doctor’s name and phone number, hospital of choice, medications and supplements you’re currently taking, and any known allergies.

#3. Please list any disabilities, both physical and mental. Be sure to list any problems they may have in communicating honestly with others.

#4. Be practical when considering what to list. It may be good to make a list of your vehicles and license plates. In an extreme emergency, a patrolman may have to look for you. Cell phones are a great tool but they are not always reliable.

I realize that these types of lists depend on the patient, the circumstances, the area they live in, and other factors. For me, this list gave me a lot of peace of mind and came in handy on those occasions when we had to call an ambulance to take my mom to the hospital. I’m sure the emergency team appreciated having that information available.

We all care about each other in one way or another. Why not consider your family’s needs and make a list like this for each family member? Keep one in the glove compartment of your car and next to your phone, and be ready in case of an emergency.

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