Although Southwest Florida has been fortunate in recent years during hurricane season the threat of this natural disaster is one that Abby Services encourage all clients to take seriously. Advance preparation can be the key to comfort and survival.
In the event of an emergency, Abby Services does all we can to maintain consistent service. Unfortunately, there may be times where circumstances are out of our control and your caregiver may be delayed or unavailable. That is why we encourage clients requiring care during a potential emergency to make plans to evacuate to a local shelter with around-the-clock care before, during, and after an expected emergency.
The American Red Cross has a special publication specifically for seniors to help them prepare for a disaster.
Disaster Preparedness For Seniors By Seniors
Clients requiring Special needs provisions are encouraged to register with Special Needs Shelters in advance. Should clients require any assistance registering with special needs shelters we are here to help. Here are links to our service areas Special Needs Resources.
All-Hazards Guides can also be a valuable planning resource. Here are links for those as well.
The Agency for Healthcare Administration maintains this site which links to valuable emergency preparedness resources.
The Agency for Healthcare Administration requires all Home Health providers to provide clients with the following information:
APPENDIX B: INFORMATION FOR NURSE REGISTRY PATIENTS
Please note: The special needs shelter should be used as a place of last refuge. The evacuee may not receive the same level of care received from independent contractors in the home, and the conditions in a shelter might be stressful.
(1) If the patient has a caregiver[1], the caregiver must accompany the patient and must remain with the patient at the special needs shelter.
(2) The following is a list of what special needs patients need to bring with them to the special needs shelter during an evacuation:
- Bedsheets, blankets, pillow, folding lawn chair, air mattress
- The patient’s medication including the dose, frequency, route, time of day, and any special considerations for administration, supplies, and equipment list, including the phone, beeper, and emergency numbers for the patient’s physician, pharmacy and, if applicable, oxygen supplier; supplies and medical equipment for the patient’s care; Do Not Resuscitate (DNRO) form, if applicable;
- Name and phone number of the patient’s nurse registry
- Prescription and non-prescription medication needed for at least 5 to 7 days; oxygen for 5 to 7 days if needed.
- A copy of the patient’s plan of care, if applicable
- Identification and current address
- Special diet items, non-perishable food for 5 to 7 days, and 1 gallon of water per person per day
- Glasses, hearing aides and batteries, prosthetics and any other assistive devices
- Personal hygiene items for 5 to 7 days
- Extra clothing for 5 to 7 days
- Flashlight and batteries
- Self-entertainment and recreation items, like books, magazines, quiet games.
(3) Shelterees need to know the following:
- If the patient has a caregiver, the caregiver(s) shall be allowed to shelter together in the special needs shelter. If the person with special needs is responsible for the care of individuals without special needs, those persons may also shelter together.
- The shelteree caregiver will have floor space provided. The caregiver must provide his or her own bedding.
- Service dogs are allowed in the shelter. However, check with your local Emergency Management office to see if other pets are permitted.
- Bring personal snacks, drinks, and any special dietary foods for 72 hours. It is possible only sparse meals will be provided.
- Caregivers who regularly assist the patient in the home are expected to continue to do the same care in the shelter.
[1] Caregivers can be relatives, household members, guardians, friends, neighbors and volunteers.
Should you have any questions about your emergency plan, your private in-home caregier, or anything just call Abby Services at 239-590-0861 today!