If you had to evacuate due to a natural disaster, you would need to take a wide range of items with you – from copies of your financial documents to medications. This is especially true if you are a family caregiver and provide care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. There is so much to think about when a disaster is approaching or imminent; you’ll be better prepared to respond if you have a disaster kit that’s ready.
If you provide care for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, consider developing a separate disaster kit for your loved one’s necessities:
- Current photo, in case you get separated.
- Medicare, Medicaid and other insurance cards.
- Identification information: a Social Security card, driver’s license, etc.
- Necessary medical equipment: walker, wheelchair, power cords and/or extra batteries (if applicable), male or female urinal (for travel needs) and incontinence products.
- Important documents including checks and check-writing authority, Power of Attorney and Medical Directives.
- List of medications and doses, medical supplies for seven to 10 days and the medical history of your loved one, along with the names and numbers of pharmacies and doctors.
- Eyeglasses, hearing aids and batteries, if applicable.
- Home insurance policies (a copy will suffice), home inventory and contact numbers of your loved one’s insurance agent or company.
- Financial information: bank accounts, credit card information (copies will suffice).
Taking time to consider and plan for the possibility of a natural disaster – especially when you can do so calmly and rationally – will reduce anxiety and give you a sense of control because you’re better prepared to handle whatever comes your way.
Wondering how to keep a 7-10 day supply of medications when they are usually kept in my bathroom for me to take each day and i cannot get a future supply from the pharmacy.
Also, how much food and water should be in the bug out bag.
thanks
cc