As Hurricane Matthew reminded us, storms can wreak havoc on our lives. Not only can they force us to abandon our normal routines but our place of residence as well. While hurricane season technically ends in late November, the possibility of dangerous storms along the U.S. East Coast is really ever-present, and with it, the chance of an emergency evacuation. Retreating in advance of an approaching storm is stressful for anyone. For seniors and their families, it can be especially traumatic.
The Importance of a Comprehensive Emergency Preparedness Plan
As the American Red Cross points out in an insightful guidebook titled Disaster Preparedness - For Seniors by Seniors, disasters can strike quickly and without warning. For senior living communities in hurricane-prone areas, this means an emergency preparedness plan is absolutely critical. Community administrators and staff must have answers for key questions including:
- When should residents be evacuated?
- Where will they be taken?
- How will they be transported?
- How can they request assistance while at the offsite location?
- How can adherence to their medication regimens be managed?
- What can be done if a resident suffers a cardiac event offsite?
The first three questions involve operational details that can be ironed out ahead of time. And, thankfully, advanced technology can address the last three challenges as needed during an emergency.
As explained here, seniors who are provided with the Philips Lifeline service can call for help from their temporary location, or from anywhere with the GoSafe mobile system.* With the unique AutoAlert function, a request for assistance can be made automatically if a fall is detected even if the wearer is incapacitated.**
Philips’ portable Medication Dispensing Service helps keep seniors on track with their regimens, and automatically alerts caregivers if doses are missed. We also provide Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) that can provide life-saving cardiac intervention if needed.
Collaborating for Senior Safety
In times of crisis, nothing is more important to families than knowing their loved ones are safe. It is similarly important to senior living communities to know that they have the support of their solution provider.
Those that work with Philips can reassure their residents and families that 24/7 access to Philips Response Center is available, enabling a patient to get quality care and emergency intervention, no matter what challenges a hurricane or another emergency brings.
[View Philips Emergency Preparedness PDF here]
Interested in more posts on senior living? Check out Philips Resource Library here.
*Coverage outside the home provided where AT&T wireless network coverage is available.
**AutoAlert does not detect 100% of falls. If able, users should push their help button when they need help.
