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How to Prepare for Emergencies at Home
Don't panic. Prepare!
No one expects an emergency, but having a plan can make a big difference. Preparing ahead of time helps older adults stay calm and get help faster if something goes wrong.
By following a few simple steps you can protect yourself, your loved ones and the things you own.
Simple steps to help older adults and their families feel more prepared for emergencies:
- Create an emergency contact list that includes family, neighbors, friends, caregivers, and health care providers.
- Keep a current list of medications, allergies, medical conditions, and insurance information in an easy-to-find place.
- Store advance care planning documents and other important papers where trusted family members can quickly access them.
- Make a plan for power outages, severe weather, fires, or other emergencies, including where to go if an evacuation is needed.
- Pack an emergency kit with water, nonperishable food, flashlights, batteries, several days of medications, phone chargers, and any supplies needed for medical equipment.
- If medical devices rely on electricity, keep backup batteries charged. Ask the equipment provider about emergency power options, and learn where generator power may be available during an outage.
- Review the emergency plan regularly and update it whenever medications, health needs, caregivers, or emergency contacts change.
Building a personal emergency response plan
A personal emergency response plan is a written guide that explains what to do before an emergency happens. It should not rely on someone remembering the details during a stressful situation. Dike recommends writing the plan down, keeping it in a visible place, and sharing it with the people who may need it.
A good emergency response plan includes:
- Emergency contacts
- A list of medications and medical conditions
- Health care provider information
- Insurance details
- The location of important documents
It should also explain who has keys to the home, who can step in if a caregiver is unavailable, and what to do during a fire, severe weather, or another emergency. It is also important to think about emergencies that can interrupt daily care. If someone depends on a CPAP machine, oxygen, refrigerated medicine, or other medical equipment, families should know what to do if the power goes out.
Planning before storm season gives everyone more time to prepare and fewer decisions to make during an emergency. Like an aging in place checklist or home safety assessment, a personal emergency plan should be reviewed often so it stays up to date as health needs change.
How to improve home security
Good security habits can help older adults feel more confident and continue aging in place safely. Simple updates around the home and regular conversations with family can go a long way toward protecting both physical safety and financial well-being.
6 simple ways to improve home safety:
- Secure doors, windows, and other entry points with sturdy locks.
- Install motion-sensor lights around entrances, hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms to improve visibility at night.
- Consider a video doorbell or smart security camera so you can see who is at the door before opening it.
- Use smart lighting that turns on automatically when it gets dark or when someone enters the home.
- Stay connected with family, friends, neighbors, or caregivers through regular calls or visits.
"Independence is the whole point," said Dike. "Most older adults aren't asking for more care. They're asking to stay in their own home, their own community, on their own terms. That's a reasonable and deeply human desire." Any of the aging in place home modifications in this guide can help with that, and bring peace of mind to the family members who care about you.
"Ultimately, investing in home safety today can improve quality of life tomorrow," said Hogan-Eichenberger.
What should be included in a home emergency plan?
A home emergency plan should include emergency contacts, a list of medications and medical conditions, health care provider information, insurance details, and important documents. It should also cover power outages, severe weather, evacuation plans, and who can help in an emergency.
What smart home devices can help older adults live independently?
Smart home devices that support aging in place include medical alert systems, fall detection watches, voice assistants, smart lighting, and medication reminders. This and other technology may help older adults stay safe in their homes.
How often should smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors be tested?
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested at least once a month to make sure they are working properly. Adding this task to your home safety checklist can help protect everyone in the home.
What are the warning signs that a home may no longer be safe for an older adult?
Some signs to watch out for are frequent bruises from bumps or falls, unexplained weight loss, neglected housekeeping or personal hygiene, missed medications, or difficulty with daily tasks. A home safety assessment can help identify risks and recommend ways to improve home safety for older adults.
Resources: https://www.ncoa.org/article/home-safety-guide/
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