Hurricane Irene hurled her way upward through the north-eastern seaboard of the the US over the past several days. We held our breathe and hoped our friends and loved ones were safe, yet Irene took lives and left a devastating trail of ruin and debris. Many of us have parents who cannot adequately care for themselves and need extra special attention during intense times such as these. Thanks to Caring.com for sharing these important tips with me on how to protect our senior family members and friends during the storm. I wanted to pass them along to you and hope you share them as well. Thank you and be safe.

- Don’t watch the news incessantly or in front of the person you’re caring for – it can make your elder (and children) nervous/anxious. Quietly gather supplies and don’t wait too long. It’s best to give yourself plenty of time and not to rush. Know where you’re going-shelter, hotel, other family member’s house-and let others know your A, B, and C plans

- Keep their medications in grab and go containers for quick evacuation. If your parent has a certain condition and you fear you may be separated, write on their arm/leg with a sharpie when meds need to be taken, what condition they have, etc

- Make sure that you have a copy of all insurance/medical information -as well as house insurance since many times you can’t get back into the house to get policies

- Have a back-up person (neighbor, close friend who lives nearby) who knows it’s their job to check on and if need be, evacuate your loved one.This is particularly important if you’re a long-distance caregiver, or if you work full-time.

- If you do need to evacuate write with a lipstick or sharpie marker on your front door who is with you and where you’ve gone-it’s awful to panic and worry that your loved ones can’t be found

- Be specific. When things get hectic people feel uncertain. Give specific directions (“Get mom and go to X shelter,” or “Mom, get your purse and your cane. We are going to X). Sound calm but authoritative so that people feel safe and know exactly what they need to do.

Photo credit: kconnors

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