If you have beloved parents whom you care about worry about taking care of themselvesespecially during times of bad weather or other external problems, there are several things you can do to help ensure that they are properly cared for and safe when extreme weather approaches.
To help you see how this can be done, here are three ways you can help an elderly person you love prepare for the storms to come.
Help Them Build Emergency Supplies
One of the most common problems that arise during and after a major storm is a loss of power. When this happens, it is very beneficial to prepare for this eventuality in advance. And if you’re worried that your dearest parents might be able to do this themselves, you can definitely help them stock up on emergency supplies.
In this offer, SeniorCareCorner shares that you want to make sure that your loved ones have it extra for medicines and medical equipment in addition to taking care of the basics of food and water. And if there are other items your loved one uses on a daily basis, you’ll want to help them collect these extras as well to store their emergency supplies.
Then, every six months or so, help your loved one go through their inventory to dispose of or restock needed items.
Make a Plan For Communication
With everything that’s going on outside during a storm, it’s easy for your loved one to forget to call you and let you know he or she is okay or needs help. Because of this, it’s important that you and your loved ones make a communication plan during the coming storm.
As part of this plan, Aging.com recommends that you reach out to your loved ones and tell them about the coming storm in case they are not aware. When you make this initial communication, you can then tell them that you will call back in a few hours to check or have them call you to check-in.
Schedule a Visit As Soon as It’s Safe
When the storm is actively raging, it is not safe for you to try to reach the place where your loved one lives. But once it’s safe for you to get out on the road and venture into hurricane-hit areas, Monisha Shah, ABC News contributor, shares that going to your loved ones’ homes can be very rewarding.
If any damage occurred after the storm, or if your lover just got shaken up, being there with them to assess what’s going on and to offer help can be invaluable. And while you’re there, you can also help them take steps to prepare for the next big storm.
If you have loved ones living in an area prone to severe weather and hurricanes, consider using the tips listed above to help them prepare and stay safe during bad weather.
