Five tips for emergency evacuation of seniors living with dementia Eugene-Springfield, Oregon

“Expect the unexpected,” “Hope for the best plan for the worse,” “Better be safe than sorry.”
We are all familiar with, and even find ourselves saying these phrases all the time. Unfortunately, we are not always prepared for unexpected disasters like the wildfires we have in our area now.

“What should I take with me if I get fifteen minutes warning?” is the question most people think. But for those who are caring for an elderly person at their home, the most critical question is, “What do I do if I need to evacuate my frail loved one from their home?”

Before a Disaster Hits
1.Plan Ahead
You can start preparing NOW; it is never too early to be prepared.
• Plan where you should stay
• Know who can help you during the emergency evacuation
• Check weather conditions and stay tuned to any alerts
• If your loved one uses oxygen, make sure they have enough portable tanks
• Make sure you have enough medications
• Make a list of the things you could take if you have more time to pack.
• Prepare an emergency kit that includes the following items:

• A couple of weather-appropriate easy to change clothing.
• Medical documents (medication list, notes form last doctor’s visit)
• Medications
• Phone charger
• Incontinence products (if appropriate)
• Copy of all ID ad medical cards and a picture of the person you care for
• Copy of legal documents (Power of attorney, advance directive, will, trust)
• List of important phone numbers
• Flashlight and batteries
• Bottled water
• Non- perishable food
• Toiletries

At the time of evacuation:
2. Focus on your loved one
• If it is time to leave home, think first what your loved one needs: their glasses, hearing aid, and dentures. Any personal items that you know would make this stressful situation easier for them.
• Give them your full attention. Have one family member stay close while others are busy with other evacuation tasks

3. Stay Calm
• Stressful situations can cause the person with dementia increased anxiety, irritation, and even aggressive behavior. Your loved one will pick up on your stress if you are frantic, so it is essential that you stay calm as it will help them keep calm and cooperative.
• Don’t try to explain the dangerous situation, as it will be difficult for them to comprehend and may even create resistance to leaving home.
• Communicate simply and calmly that you all need to visit family.
• Be aware that being in an unfamiliar environment may cause anxiety. Keep reassuring your loved one that everything is ok.

4. Be Patient
• It is common that your loved one would ask you the same questions over and over, even before the disaster. While you are under stress, your patients may be running thin for the repeated question.

Take a deep breath, walk away for a few minutes, or ask for help from another family member who is with you. Do what you need to do to help you stay calm and patient.
• Be prepared that the person with dementia would not want to leave home. In this case, try being as patient as you can with them, but if it is an emergency, you may need to use some physical force to get them out of the house.

5. Stay positive
• Don’t share your fears. Create a positive and fun environment in your new location with music, games, walks, stories, etc.
• Enlist their help. It will keep your loved one busy and distracted.
• Don’t expose them to the news. If the tv is on, keep it on a channel where there is no news on the disaster. They can watch their favorite old tv shows.

Are you a caregiver for a loved one with dementia at home who feel overwhelmed by the thoughts of needing to evacuate at a time of disasters? Give us a call and let us help you create a plan for an emergency evacuation of you and your loved one.