Hurricane season is well underway and we know from the last three years that tropical storms, hurricanes and flooding can wreak havoc on our community. If you’re a caregiver responsible for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementia, the challenge becomes even greater. Caregivers have to prepare themselves and their home while also caring for a loved one.
The ARK, Alzheimer’s Family Support Services, has created a free resource, “Caregiver’s Guide To Disaster Preparation.” This planning guide is offered to caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementia for guided support before and during times of disasters. It is one of several resources that are needed to help families plan for emergencies, care for their loved ones, and return safely to their homes.
The guide is available as a free download at thearkofsc.org/resources.
Some of what’s included in the guide:
-An action plan for hurricanes and other disasters
-Sheet to fill out emergency contact information for friends, relatives as well as doctors, insurance providers and pharmacies
-Checklist of to-dos and what to pack in an emergency storm kit
-Information on how to be prepared in the event of floods, earthquakes and fires
The guide was made possible by grant funding from the Medical Society of South Carolina and Roper St. Francis.
Based in Summerville, The ARK has an outreach program providing comprehensive support services to families living with Alzheimer’s or related dementia. Serving five counties, The ARK offers respite care, support groups, caregiver consultation, caregiver education workshops, resource referrals, law enforcement and first responders training, community learning programs, and rural services development.
