Natural disasters come in many forms and degrees of severity. They seldom give warning and they call upon good judgment and ability to follow through with crisis plans. People with AD are at serious disadvantage. Their impairment in memory and reasoning severely limit their ability to act appropriately in crises.

It is always important to have a plan of action in case of fire, flood, tornado or other disaster. This plan can and should be utilized in the case of an emergency when time is short. It is particularly important if the AD person is still living alone.

• Get to know their neighbors and identify specific individuals who would be willing to help in a crisis. Formulate a plan of action with them should the AD person be unattended during a crisis.

• Provide neighbors with a list of emergency numbers of caregivers, family members and primary medical resources.

• Educate neighbors beforehand about the AD person's specific disabilities, including inability to follow complex instructions, memory loss, impaired judgment, probable disorientation and confusion. Give neighbors examples of some of the simple one-step instructions that the person may be able to do.

• Have regular family drills so that each member of the house-hold has a specific task. Realize that the AD person cannot be expected to hold any responsibilities in the crisis plan and someone will need to take the responsibility for supervision of the AD person.

• Always have at least an extra weeks supply of any medical or personal hygiene items critical to the AD person's welfare, such as:

* Food, food supplements, and water
* Medications
* Incontinence undergarments
* Hearing aid batteries
* Eye glasses

Be sure that the AD person wears an identification bracelet stating "memory impairment" should he or she become lost or disoriented during a crisis.

Under no circumstances should the AD person be left alone following a natural disaster. Do not count on the individual to stay in one place while you go for help.

I know no one wants to prepare for a natural disaster, and the above guide may seem unecessary...but before you throw this paper out please ask yourself the following questions...


Does the AD person:

• Become confused or unpredictable under stress?
• Recognize a dangerous situation, for example, what to do in the case of a tornado warning or fire?
• Know how to use the telephone in an emergency?
• Know how to get help...if you are not home?

If your loved one cannot protect themselves in the event of a natural disaster, then please...keep this paper handy!






Alzheimer's Outreach http://alzheimers.zarcrom.com

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