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Disaster Preparedness Tips from Alzheimer's Association

With an increasing number of natural disasters as a backdrop – Hurricanes Katrina and Rita the latest – the Alzheimer’s Association has issued tips for caregivers to help Alzheimer’s patients cope with their stress and confusion in these events.

In people with moderate to severe Alzheimer's, the impact of natural disasters can lead to risky and distressing behaviors, such as wandering, agitation, and surprising emotional outbursts. People with Alzheimer's, including those who need nearly round-the-clock care, can easily get separated from the only caregivers who know about their condition.

The disaster guidelines are specifically intended to help family and others who care help the Alzheimer’s patient better handle these stressful events. These are meant to supplement the basic emergency information available from organizations such as the Red Cross and the National Hurricane Center. The tips were developed with input from caregivers and experts who have lived through multiple hurricanes and other emergencies, the association said.

For example, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, here are the suggested contents of an Alzheimer's-specific emergency kit:

-- Easy-on flotation devices, such as Floaties armbands.

-- Easy on/off clothes (a couple of sets).

-- Velcro shoes/sneakers.

-- Back-up eyeglasses.

-- Incontinence products.

-- Wipes.

-- Lotion (good for soothing the person).

-- Pillow, toy or something else to hug.

-- Favorite items or foods. Liquid meals.

-- Supplies of medication.

-- Extra identification items for the person, such as an ID bracelet and clothing tags.

-- Copies of legal documents, such as power of attorney.

-- Copies of medical documents that indicate the individual's condition and current medications.

-- Copies of insurance and Social Security cards.

-- Zip-lock bags to hold medications and documents.

-- Physician's name, address and phone numbers (including cell phone).

-- Alzheimer's Association phone number and address. Alzheimer's Association Safe Return phone number.

-- Recent picture of the person with dementia.

In addition, the association said it is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at its telephone Alzheimer’s Helpline at 800-272-3900 and on its website to provide assistance finding local resources for people with dementia and their caregivers, plus support to manage the stresses of caregiving.

Among the approximately 4.5 million Americans with Alzheimer’s, the earliest stages of the disease are characterized by the patient’s independence. Problems can arise as the disease progresses. Alzheimer's disease symptoms occur on a continuum from unimpaired function to very severe cognitive decline, so each situation needs to be handled on an individual basis. The agency’s guidelines are meant to be just that – guidelines.

Here are other helpful tips:

If you know a pending disaster is about to occur:

-- Get yourself and the person with Alzheimer's to a safe place.

-- Alert others (family, friends, medical personnel) to the fact that you are changing locations, and give them your contact information. Contact them as regularly as you can as you move.

-- Be sure there are people other than the primary caregiver who have copies of the person with dementia's medical history, medications, and physician information.

-- Purchase extra medications.

During advance preparations, take advantage of the agency’s Safe Return program. Here’s how:

-- As a precaution, register your loved one in the Alzheimer's Association Safe Return program.

-- Safe Return is an identification and support program that provides assistance for a person with Alzheimer's who wanders off and becomes lost, either locally or far from home.

-- If you are already registered in Safe Return, make sure personal contact information, medicines needed, and doctor information are updated with the program.

-- You can enroll in Safe Return by phone, online or by mail. Call toll-free 888-572-8566 or visit the association’s website.

Once you are relocated during a disaster, different circumstances arise. The change of location, plus unfamiliar noises and activities, may cause Alzheimer’s patients increased stress and confusion. Also, certain behaviors of persons with Alzheimer's may puzzle or alarm others. In this event:

Be calm and supportive in these ways:

-- Remain flexible, patient and calm -- a person with dementia will respond to the tone you set.

-- Respond to an emotion being expressed by the person. Ask, "Are you feeling frightened?" Offer your hand or a hug.

-- Offer reassurance, such as "I will take care of you." Or, "Don't worry. You will have everything you need here."

-- Don't leave the person with Alzheimer's alone. Don't ask a stranger to watch the person. A person who doesn't understand Alzheimer's disease and its effects, and who doesn't know you or the person won't understand how to react in a difficult situation.

Create a safe environment in this manner:

-- Try to spend extra time with the person to help him or her adjust to the new environment.

-- As much as is possible, maintain daily routines from before the disaster. For instance, accommodate familiar eating and bathing times.

-- Maintain regular times for going to bed and arising. Establish a comfortable, secure sleeping environment.

-- If possible, label important areas -- such as the bathroom and sleeping area -- to help the person become oriented to the new layout.

-- Use simple statements to indicate the need to stay where you are. Divert attention to a new topic. For example: "I know you want to go home. For now, we need to stay here. Let's see if we can get some lunch."

-- As appropriate, inform people around you that the person has memory loss or dementia.

-- If you are in someone's home, arrange to make the house safer by locking up medications, toxic household supplies, sharp objects, alcohol and matches. Place nightlights throughout the house for nighttime safety and orientation.

-- Limit news media exposure (TV, radio, computer) to the disaster.

Take care of your loved one this way:

-- Ensure proper nutrition and hydration.

-- Make it a priority to find a doctor and pharmacy to provide for the person's health needs. Be sure you have up-to-date medical information and a current list of medications.

-- Take time to reminisce, share family photos and stories.

-- Involve the person in daily activities.

-- Get daily exercise and get outside for fresh air and sunshine.

As a caregiver, take care of yourself, too. Do so by finding a good listener to hear your thoughts and feelings about the event or just take a moment to breathe, meditate, and reflect. Finally, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, seek spiritual support.

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Helping Children and Teens Understand Dementia: Can They Weather the Storm? -- 2/22/09

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View The Caregiver's Hotline in which this article first appeared

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