Daily Living Blog

Disaster Preparedness

With the recent events in Haiti as a result of the catastrophic earthquake and then the severe winter storms across the United States, I began thinking about Disaster Preparedness especially for Aging adults.

While we live in the central United States, it is still a practical idea to be aware of how any calamity can affect a person’s day-to-day living. Ben Franklin stated “By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.” I do believe there is much truth in that statement. While we cannot forsee the future, isn’t it important to take notice to what is around us and how best to function if something were to occur that could cause a limitation and/or crisis?

I found a couple of resources that are in essence a plan of action should a disaster strike. While I understand these lists are NOT all encompassing, they are practical in nature and could be utilized in case of a flood, earthquake, tornado or any natural disaster.

FEMA has listed the following points when planning ahead.  I’ve added some additional notations and resources.

• Get informed – what kinds of natural elements are common in your area?  What can you do to keep your family safe?  Understand how devestating floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, snow storms and the like can be.
  
• Plan for emergencies – Understand what plan you need in place before disaster strikes.
  • Escape routes & general meeting place in case of emergency 
  • Evacuation plans
  • Family communications 
  • Utility shut-off and safety
  • Insurance and vital records
  • Special needs
  • Care for pets: Information for pet owners
  • Care for livestock: Information for livestock owners
  • Safety skills
• Assemble a disaster supplies kit – Click here for ideas.
  
• Effectively shelter
  ◦ Prepare a safe room (plan on a common meeting area)
  ◦ Guidelines for managing water supplies
  ◦ Guidelines for managing food supplies
  
• Communication Plan - http://www.calamitykit.com/
  Establish a communications plan that each member of your family is aware of and knows how to implement. Establish an out of town contact to check in with in the event of an emergency and make sure everyone in you household knows how to contact them either by phone or email or both. This is very important for your family in the event that you can not find each other.
  
  • Special needs & concerns – aging, disabled, children
      ◦ Steps to take for those with disabilities before and during crisis
      ◦ Emergency Preparedness for People With Disabilities
      ◦ Emergency Preparedness for Seniors
            Earthquakes & Seniors
     

  One website that I found that was all encompassing on both an individual level as well as a community level was the California Department of Aging.  While their plans are mainly targeted at Earthquakes – it focuses upon how to respond as an individual, as a community and as an agency.  I highly recommend checking out their website.  They even have a tip sheet for seniors based upon possible natural disasters.  These are available in multiple languages including Chinese, Spanish, Japanese and Russian.

  As many of the sites and resources stated, it is not only important to be thinking about a plan of action but to actually enact them.  The first step is to print out these lists and write out your own plan.  Often, the first thing affected is electricity and the ability to access the internet (and this article and these websites).

  Together we all can make a difference and strive for limitless living.

Limitless Living On A Personal Level

As the Holiday seasons began, I had a sense of being slightly overburdened. Was it being the mother of 3 young children? Was my feeling related solely to the fact that I am a homeschool mom who also does freelance work pretty much full time? Maybe it was the added stress of the big project my husband is working on that required more of his time and less time to help us at home? Then there was the concern for my mother-in-law and her needs. While far away she’d been in need of more time to listen as she works through this first Christmas alone and disabled – and we were busily trying to get our “life” done so we could take time off to visit her during the Christmas break. Maybe it was the additional time it took to help loved ones who lives nearby but couldn’t manage some of their usual Holiday activities on their own? Perhaps, it was all of these things plus the general stress of the holidays – stress that we put on ourselves by committing to too many things and making things important that just aren’t.

Whatever caused the burn-out…it came. Last night, just 2 days before Christmas, I realized I’d failed miserably to get it all done. I sat analyzing the lack of sleep, irritability, messy house and a physically unfit body and mental attitude. It took a bit to get my perspective straight.

Then I realized that with over 37.3 million people over the age of 65 – there are a lot of people that are walking exactly what I have walked the last month. There are certified caregivers. And I am sure there are a lot of sandwich generation individuals caring for their young children and assisting their aging parents.

My recent experiences have caused me to look at what priorities are most important. I have the flexibility to say no to a lot of what I do. Some do not – as they are the only one available to care for an aging loved one. I am blessed that my mother is able to be very active still. Those I assist are for the most part able to take care of their basic necessities. And my mother-in-law is blessed with family that loves her and many live near her to take care of the daily needs, while we provide the ear to listen and the visits as much as we are able.

The question I asked myself yesterday was, “do I have my priorities right, so when things change and more of our time and resources are required , we will be ready?” I think this was a valid question for us now. I remember watching this play out in our home when I was in college – my 95 year old grandmother was no longer able to live on her own – my parents had to rearrange everything to care for her.

So, this morning I did what I always do. First I began to analyze my current walk and life. Second, I made a list and began researching how to incorporate changes into our life. Thus, here are some things I need to make priorities.
• Get physically fit and daily exercise: This serves many purposes including aiding us in not being physically exhausted by change in routines, activities and helps decrease stress. Additionally, it will serve as a model to both my children and my aging loved ones. If I’m making it a priority – maybe they will too.
• Stop over-committing! Prioritize what is vital in our daily life. Allow room for spur of the moment needs (like taking someone to the doctor).
• Communicate more with the rest of the family. Keeping each other updated and addressing care issues as they arise. With open lines of communication we can better assess who can do what if the need arises.
• Promote healthy living for every member of our family – from the youngest to the oldest.
• Stop & Smell the ROSES. What a blessing to spend time with my loved ones. They are here and such an important part of our lives. NEVER should they become an obligation or burden.

I guess that one could say that these are resolutions but not just for the New Year but from this day forward. Limitless Living is not just about those who are older or disabled – but all of us!!! So here is to a brand new season of Living Life Unlimited!

Senior Care Check-Up Just In Time For The Holidays

Continuing our theme for the winter season and the holidays – we wanted to share this wonderful article,

Do A Senior Care Checkup When You Visit For The Holidays

Joe Freudenthal, Vintage Senior Living, edited this from an article written by Julie Northcutt.

Seniors Weathering The Storm

Do you have an aging loved one who lives alone? Are you a caregiver dedicated to caring for someone who is homebound? Are you a senior that has difficulty getting out when the weather gets bad?

Recently, we had our first minor snowstorm. Schools were closed, church services were canceled and some areas even lost power; local weather forecasters warned not to leave home unless absolutely necessary. While this was a hindrance to some of us, it was more severe for others. Aging seniors often feel the impact of inclement weather more harshly. Many drive only during the day or rely on assistance from family and friends for rides. When storms come, these seniors are often blocked completely from their normal routine. Additionally, their caregivers may not be able to reach them as they are coping with their own travel restrictions.

Thankfully, with weather, we are often given a warning that a storm is brewing. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of reminders to assist our aging seniors with preparing for the winter season and storms that are sure to come our way.

1. Home Preparation: Make sure the home is ready for winter. Help keep the cold out by installing storm window and/or covering the windows with sturdy plastic. Remember to remove hoses from outdoor water faucets and insulate pipes to keep from freezing. Check fire detectors, CO2 detectors and fire extinguishers. During colder weather – allow indoor faucets to drip to decrease a chance of the pipes freezing.
2. Snow Removal: Check for tools to help with snow removal. Ensure that there is a good snow shovel, rock salt, sand or kitty litter for slippery driveways and walks. Arrange for someone to clear the walkways when it does snow. If your aging loved one lives a distance away, consider hiring a local neighbor to assist with clearing paths, stairs and walkways.
3. Essentials: Make a trip to the store for supplies before the storm comes. Don’t forget essentials, such as prescription medications, extra batteries, first-aid supplies, a week’s supply of food (non-perishable), and bottled water. High energy food, such as dried fruit, nuts, and canned goods that do not require heating are best. Plan on a gallon of water per day per person. Don’t forget a manual can opener. Gather extra blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothing (at least one change of clothes for each family member).
4. If power outage occurs: Plan a safe alternate source of heat if possible. Keep an ample supply of wood for the fireplace or a kerosene space heater with extra heating fuel. Talk with your aging loved ones about a plan of action and remind them of how to stay warm safely. Make sure that there are flashlights with extra batteries, or candles and matches. Have a portable battery-operated radio to stay tuned to local news. If the furnace goes out, take these precautions. Close off any rooms that aren’t needed. Stuff towels in cracks and under doors to prevent heat loss. Cover windows with blankets at night. Remember to stay nourished and hydrated so the body can produce its own heat.
5. Communication: Have a plan on how best to stay in communication so that you can check on your family and friends. Emergency cell phones are available – just ensure that they have been charged prior to the storm.

As you are going over your checklist with your family and friends this winter season, please remember to embrace those who do not have anyone nearby to assist them. Is there an elderly neighbor that is alone? Someone at church who could use your help? Are there Meals on Wheels programs or Senior Service groups that could use a hand when storms come? We encourage you to reach out and help others to have a Life Unlimited no matter the season!