Preparing for Stormy Weather: Four Essential Tips / Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias

Are you prepared if a major storm threatens your area? Do you know whether to evacuate or shelter in place with your loved one who has dementia? Have you created a communication plan that accounts for potential power outages and cell tower failures?

We are Sue Ryan and Nancy Treaster. As caregivers for our loved ones with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, we understand how storm season brings critical decisions that require advance planning. Whether your loved one lives at home or in a care community, preparing for storms demands special considerations for people living with dementia.

Recently, we spoke with Celeste Lynch, Executive Director at Moorings Park Grand Lake in Naples, Florida. With nearly 40 years of experience in senior living leadership, emergency planning, and resident safety, Celeste shared invaluable insights on storm preparedness from both the care community and at-home perspectives.

If you're following along with the Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap Guide, today's topic aligns with Step 14: Create a Care Plan and Family Emergency Plan.

Let's explore four essential tips for weathering storms safely with your loved one who has dementia.

Connect with us and share your tips:

• Website: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/
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• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suearmstrongryan/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancytreaster/
• Email: sue@thecaregiversjourney.org, nancy@thecaregiversjourney.org

Full Show Notes

https://thecaregiversjourney.org/52-preparing-for-stormy-weather-four-essential-tips-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/

Additional Resources Mentioned

• Navigating Dementia Caregiving Roadmap guide: https://thecaregiversjourney.org/guides/
• Moorings Park community: https://www.mooringspark.org/ 
• FEMA assistance programs: https://www.fema.gov/
• DisasterAssistance.gov: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
• Relief organizations such as the Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/
• Support the nonprofit The Caregiver's Journey: https://give.cornerstone.cc/thecaregiversjourney

Takeaways

We shared 4 tips:

1. Preparing Ahead of Time 
2. Decide whether you will shelter in place or evacuate
3. Strengthen Your Communication Plan Before, During, and After the Storm 
4. Post storm, safely get them back in their routine

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