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Are you ready for Hurricane Season
Success Story
Hurricane or Disaster Preparedness: 10 Things You Should Do

Are You Ready for Hurricane Season?
by Rona S. Bartelstone, LCSW, BCD, CMC

Last month, the Miami Herald had an article about how hurricanes pose a bigger threat for the elderly. I couldn't agree more.

While the public and non-profit agencies have to focus on those with the fewest resources, people who have means also need help to get through the storm season. They may have limited mobility and be reliant on refrigeration for medications and electricity for oxygen, beds, tube feedings and other medical necessities.

People who wait until there is a storm approaching before they prepare are likely to be left with fewer options and more stress. For elders with multiple health concerns, the additional anxiety caused by the lack of planning can be debilitating. Elders and their families need to consider all their options and create a plan that will give everyone the comfort that there is a backup system in place.

Like Mrs. Allen, who was highlighted in the Herald article, many elders feel that they don't need to pre-plan. They have been through numerous false starts before. In addition, it is hard to prepare when you are burdened with the daily needs of survival issues or caregiving for someone who is dependent upon you.

Caregivers need to know that they are not alone in preparing for and surviving a hurricane. As a family of professional caregivers, my team and I understand the enormous responsibility that comes with helping the vulnerable through a storm.

Even families who are willing to help their elders may not be available to help from out of town. Last year, the Ft. Lauderdale airport was closed for five days after Wilma. A lot can happen to someone in the heat without proper supplies.

That's why we have developed a program that assures both better planning and after care. In fact, no one else provides such a thorough hurricane preparedness plan. We work with clients to develop a detailed plan, ensuring they have a place to go if evacuated. If they choose to stay at home, we make sure they have plenty of supplies and extra medications to see them through. Afterward, we contact everyone and take steps to ensure their safety — all while keeping in close touch with clients and their loved ones.

If you would like to read the Miami Herald article, click here.

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Success Story - Mr. Brown

Mr. Brown is a 99-year old gentleman who was living alone in his own apartment when the Care Manager first met him four years ago.  He was totally blind in one eye, nearly blind in the other, and very frail.  He never married and has no children, however he has a niece living out-of-state who cares deeply about him.  When she called Rona Bartelstone Care Management four years ago, she was very concerned about her uncle’s eyesight and his ability to cope on his own.  He did not have cognitive impairment, although his niece described him as quite “stubborn.”

Initially, he did not want any help and was adamant that he be left alone.  The Care Manager convinced him to at least get an emergency response system and he allowed her to visit him periodically.  During these visits, they developed a trusting relationship and he allowed her to help when necessary.

A few months after their initial meeting, Mr. Brown called the Care Manager and said that his “good” eye was getting worse.  After discussing the situation with him and his niece, he agreed with the Care Manager’s recommendation to go to local Eye Institute for a consultation.  The Care Manager took him and stayed with him through the next several appointments.  The surgeon discussed all options with Mr. Brown and the Care Manager.  The only chance (and it was by no means a good chance) to save any of his vision at all would be to have a cornea transplant—a very serious operation, particularly given his age.  After much consideration and talks with the Care Manager and his niece, he insisted on having the surgery, stating that if it didn’t work, he would be blind anyway.  He had the surgery and came through it remarkably well.

For the next year he had help around–the-clock, as the recovery time was long and trying.  A fall could have undone the surgery.  As it was, he had to go to the local Eye Institute every 6-weeks to have one or two stitches out over an 18-month period.  It was almost two years before the healing process was complete.  He now has minimal vision in that eye and will probably not become totally blind.

During the past year, he has moved to a new apartment, has help 12-hours a day, and insists on being alone at night.  He is little older, a little frailer, and still stubbornly independent, but managing to remain on his own a little bit longer.

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Hurricane or Disaster Preparedness: 10 Things You Should Do
by Susan Fleischer, Chief Operating Officer

Whether you live in hurricane territory, tornado alley or other area where there is likely to be an emergency situation, you need to prepare for meeting your needs and the needs of your family. Here are the 10 basics that you should have prepared, just in case:

These are the basic plans that everyone needs to have in the face of a natural disaster.

• Have a family disaster plan and make sure that everyone is familiar with it
• Have a safe place to go either in your home or other location (advance planning for evacuation is critical if you have special healthcare needs)
• Be sure that you have extra cash because banks and ATMs may not be available for many days
• Fill your car with gas
• Have all of your important insurance, healthcare, and other papers in a waterproof container that you can take with you, if you need to be in a safe room or to evacuate
• Secure your home, as best as you are able
• Let other family/friends out of your area know what your plan is and where you will be
• Replace batteries and check for the operating ability of radios, flashlights, cell phones, portable computers and TVs
• Be sure that you have enough first aid supplies and supplies of medications, food and water to last two weeks
• Make sure that pets are cared for, including enough supplies for two weeks of maintenance

We have recently introduced a new Hurricane Preparedness Program that can help you and your family be prepared this hurricane season. Click here for more information on our dynamic program.