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.