Whether it’s spring, summer, autumn, or winter, storms can be severe. In different places, people face different risks. Along the Southeast, for example, you might be at risk of tornadoes or severe thunderstorms as well as hurricanes. In the Northwest, it might be extreme fog, thunderstorms, or heavy rains. Along the Southwest, you may have to contend with some vicious storms following long periods of extreme heat.
In short, every part of the country has the prospect of strong storms to deal with. For seniors, the challenge of getting through these difficult weather phenomena can increase with age and physical limitations. A person living alone may be at a greater risk of dealing with the consequences of a strong storm.
Assisted living is a great elder care choice that many seniors make. However, not all assisted living communities are the same, so it’s important to understand how one specific facility may help residents stay safer during these strong storms.
1. Keeping residents indoors.
When the weather gets severe, a quality assisted living community should keep residents indoors. This includes not just during thunderstorms, but when the winds are high, torrential downpours are expected, or even hail could be in the forecast.
Keep in mind that hail can fall during the summer months as well as wintertime. When it comes to elder care, safety should be the first priority of any facility and that means keeping residents indoors when the weather turns foul.
2. Have medical information on hand.
What would happen if severe weather knocked out roadways, and power, or made living conditions difficult for days or even weeks? Would the facility or individual have information about each elderly resident? They should.
Too often these days information is stored exclusively on computer devices (including phones). What if the Internet goes out? What if they can’t reach anybody by phone? They should be able to have access to a resident’s medical information during times of severe weather and emergencies.
3. Understand safety zones.
A quality elder care facility like assisted living should inform residents where various shelters are located on the grounds. This includes tornado shelters if they live in an area prone to this type of weather.
In the event they need to be evacuated, residents should be made aware of what’s going on where they’re going, and next of kin or emergency contacts should be notified.
Why would an assisted living community have to be evacuated? If a weather event has made the facility compromised, if a hurricane is bearing down and they have been ordered to evacuate by emergency services, or if a fire is raging and getting a little too close and they have been advised to leave the area.
Assisted living is a wonderful place for aging men and women to feel comfortable and safe. Severe storms can happen at any time, which is why better-quality communities are going to have information, resources, and a plan on how to best support their residents when those storms hit a little too close to home.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living in Belleville, IL, or surrounding areas, please contact the caring staff at Knollwood Retirement Community today at (618) 226-5755
Offering seniors age 65 and older a wealth of amenities to retain as much independence as they are able, with support, in a home-like environment in our supportive living community.
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