Caring for an older loved one is a tough task. It’s a tough task made even worse by the emotional bond between the caregiver and the patient. At the best of times, it takes a great mental and physical toll on the caregiver.

One of the most daunting challenges that caregivers face is dealing with emergencies. Whether it's a sudden illness, a fall or a behavioral crisis, emergencies can be very stressful. In some cases, the caregiver may panic and be unable to think rationally and clearly.

Being prepared for emergency situations helps caregivers react quickly and effectively. An emergency response plan can help alleviate stress and anxiety and can act as a step-by-step guide for the caregiver on how to respond in any particular type of emergency.   Top of Form

Types of Emergencies You May Encounter

Every emergency is different in some way and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to dealing with them. It’s important, therefore, that a caregiver understands the most common types of emergencies and knows how to recognize their signs so that they can respond quickly and effectively.

Medical Emergencies

Medical emergencies are the most common type of emergency that caregivers may encounter, especially with older patients. These emergencies can range from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions. Some examples of serious medical emergencies include a heart attack or stroke, seizures, choking or a fall.

While many medical emergencies have very typical signs that are relatively easy to recognize, some situations may not be so obvious. Knowing the typical signs and also understanding the more subtle signs can save vital response time.

For example, the typical signs of a heart attack may include pain or a feeling of pressure in the chest, pain in the neck or arm and a sudden outbreak of perspiration. While a stroke is frequently signaled by sudden numbness or paralysis on the left side of the body, patients have been known to have had seemingly innocuous signs as much as a week before the stroke.

Environmental Emergencies

Environmental emergencies can occur due to natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, or accidents. These emergencies can pose a significant risk to both the caregiver and the person being cared for. Examples of environmental emergencies include, among others, fires or explosions, floods or extreme heat or cold, earthquakes and power outages.

Caregivers should be aware of potential environmental hazards in the home. In areas that are more susceptible to extreme weather phenomena or tremors, it’s also advisable to monitor news or forecasts periodically so they can be proactive when an emergency situation is likely to develop.

Behavioral Emergencies

Behavioral emergencies occur when a person with dementia or a mental health condition experiences a sudden change in behavior or becomes agitated or aggressive. These emergencies can be especially challenging for caregivers, as they may not be equipped to handle these situations. Apart from aggression or agitation, behavioral emergencies may also include confusion, disorientation, paranoia or delusions.

Emergency preparation for caregivers should include a plan for managing behavioral emergencies, including strategies for de-escalating a situation and seeking professional help if necessary. If behavioral episodes become more frequent, the caregiver should consider undergoing specialized training. The Family Caregiver Alliance or the National Alliance for Caregiving can provide advice and assistance in this regard.

Creating an Emergency Plan

Emergencies create confusion and panic and very often result in people “freezing” and being unable to act or think in an orderly manner. This is even worse when the victim is a loved one. For this reason, it is crucial that every caregiver has an emergency response plan. With a detailed set of instructions for every eventuality, responses can become almost mechanical.

Identify Potential Emergencies

The first step in emergency preparation and creating a comprehensive emergency plan is to identify potential emergencies that could occur. Make a list of the potential emergencies that could occur and prioritize them based on the likelihood and severity of the event.

Develop an Emergency Contact List

An emergency contact list is a critical component of an emergency plan. Make a list of important contacts, including family members, healthcare providers, emergency services and neighbors who can assist during an emergency. Ensure that you have their phone numbers and addresses and keep this information in a safe and accessible place.

Designate an Emergency Meeting Place

If an emergency occurs and you need to evacuate the home, it is essential to have a predetermined meeting place where you and your loved one can go. Consider a location that is easily accessible and familiar to your loved one, such as a neighbor's house or a community center.

Create an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit should include essential items that your loved one will need in case of an emergency, such as medications, medical equipment, food and water. Keep the emergency kit in a designated location that is easily accessible to you and your loved one.

If your loved one suffers from conditions such as incontinence or reduced mobility, it’s also a good idea to have a stock of the relevant supplies on hand. To ensure that you never run out of supplies contact the team at LL Medico and set up an Autoship order. LL Medico carries a substantial range of products related to elder care. Have a look around our website for any other needs you may also have. 

Establish an Evacuation Plan

Determine the best route to exit the home, and make sure your loved one knows the plan. Practice the evacuation plan regularly to ensure that both you and your loved one are familiar with the process.

Consider Special Needs

If your loved one has special needs, it is essential to consider these needs when creating an emergency plan. For example, if your loved one uses a wheelchair, ensure that there is a wheelchair-accessible route to the evacuation point. If your loved one has a hearing or vision impairment, consider providing alternate communication methods in case of an emergency.

Review and Update the Plan

Review and update the emergency plan regularly to ensure that it remains relevant and effective. Make changes to the plan as necessary based on changes in your loved one's condition, new information about potential emergencies, or changes in the surrounding environment.

In Conclusion

This guide deals only with how you can prepare yourself to recognize emergencies and set up a response plan. The whole subject of emergency preparation and planning, dealing with emergencies when they occur and measures to prevent them is vast. We will deal with other aspects of emergency response in separate articles.

For now, we thank you for reading this and we hope that, should you ever become a caregiver for a loved one, this guide will be useful in assisting you to set up your emergency response plan. And we trust that the team at LL Medico will be in a position to take at least one of the worries off your list.