Alzheimer’s Association offers tips for caregivers during storms

Press release from Alzheimer’s Association North Florida Chapter

ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – The Alzheimer’s Association North Florida Chapter offers the following tips for caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia:

• Shelters are not always good options for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia. Consider staying with friends or family. If you must use a shelter, try to visit it ahead of time and ensure it meets their needs.
• If the person with dementia lives in a residential building or attends an adult day center, ask them for their disaster plans. Find out who is responsible for evacuating everyone in the event of an emergency.
• For a person living with dementia, changes in routine, traveling, and new environments may increase the risk for wandering and agitation. Stay alert for unexpected reactions that may result from these changes.
• Try to stay together or with a group; it only takes a moment to get lost. Do not leave the person living with dementia alone. If your loved one is missing for more than 15 minutes, call 911 and let them know the person has dementia.
• Do your best to remain calm, as this may help reduce anxiety or confusion.
• In your emergency kit, pack items like copies of legal documents, such as a power of attorney, a recent picture of the person with dementia, copies of insurance and Social Security cards, and their physician’s information.
• Call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) with questions.