MIAMI, June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- With hurricane season upon us, The Leeza
Gibbons Memory Foundation, created to ensure a better standard of care for
patients and caregivers affected by memory disorders, helps caregivers
prepare for possible emergency situations.
While preparing for an emergency situation such as a hurricane is
stressful for anyone, the challenges during this time are magnified to a
greater degree if you are a caregiver.
"It is important to respond to the emotions being expressed by your
loved one," said Dr. James Huysman, Executive Director of The Leeza Gibbons
Memory Foundation. "A person with dementia will respond to the tone his or
her caregiver sets, so caregivers should remain patient, calm, and
supportive during any emergency situation."
In an emergency, people with memory disorders and their caregivers may
find themselves uprooted or displaced to alternative living arrangements.
Extra care and attention must be made to ensure the health and safety of
the persons being cared for. The change of location, plus unfamiliar noises
and activities, may cause them increased stress and confusion.
"During Hurricane Frances, I had to evacuate my home in Brevard County,
Florida, with my 90-year-old mother who has a variety of medical problems,"
said Joyce Kennedy, Leeza Care Advocate at Health First Leeza's Place in
Melbourne, Florida. "Since we had not experienced a hurricane for many
years, I had become complacent. We were turned away from several hotels and
shelters in surrounding counties. I don't ever want to be in such a
frightening situation again, so I am now prepared with an emergency kit,
evacuation plan and a list of the most vital items we need."
"It's so important to pre-register your loved one with your county of
residence," continued Kennedy. "Most counties have special need
questionnaires to complete in advance that will make the adjustment to a
shelter less disruptive for your loved one. We found that many counties
actually provide special needs rooms within the shelters according to
medical need."
Check with your county to learn about the specific shelter offerings
and pre-registration process.
Also, as a precaution, those suffering from memory disorders should be
registered in Alzheimer's Association Safe Return(R) Program, a nationwide
identification, support and enrollment program that provides assistance
when a person with Alzheimer's or a related dementia wanders and becomes
lost locally or far from home. If you have already registered your loved
one, make sure the personal contact information, medicines needed, and
doctor information are up- to-date.
"It's important that caregivers know not to leave their loved ones
alone and never ask someone unfamiliar to watch him or her for you," added
Dr. Huysman. "Caregivers should try to spend extra time with their loved
one to aid adjustment to the new environment while trying to maintain a
normal daily routine as much as possible."
Preparing an emergency kit in advance will also save time during an
emergency. Keep your items in a watertight container and store it in an
easily accessible location. Items included in the FEMA approved kit
include:
- Easy-on flotation devices
- Easy-on/-off clothes, 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
- Extra identification items for the person, such as an ID bracelet or
clothing tags
- Copies of legal documents, such as power of attorney, medical
documents, insurance, and Social Security cards
- Supplies of medication and physician's name, address and phone numbers
- Zip-lock bags to hold medications and documents
- Alzheimer's Association phone number, address and Safe Return phone
number
- Recent picture of the person with the memory disorder
While cell phones may not work properly during emergency situations,
the services are improving daily with greater capabilities. Cell service
usually becomes available more quickly than the local landline telephone
network. Caregivers should make sure they have several recharged cell phone
batteries and that family members and friends have the correct phone number
to contact you.
"A caregiver's normal reaction is often to put his or her loved one
first, but it's very important they remember to take care of themselves,"
said Dr. Huysman. "Each day, caregivers should do one thing for their mind,
body, and soul. They should also seek out a good listener who can offer
support."
To find out if there is a Leeza's Place near you and for additional
caregiving tips and support, visit http://www.leezasplace.org.
About the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation
The Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation is the manifestation of Leeza's
vision for a better standard of care for patients and caregivers affected
by Alzheimer's disease and related memory disorders. The Leeza Gibbons
Memory Foundation, through its signature program Leeza's Place seeks to
educate, empower and energize caregivers and the recently diagnosed.
Leeza's Place integrates educational approaches, connective social
activities, emotional support, and intergenerational programming. The
Memory Foundation is dedicated to supporting the day-to-day needs of
caregivers. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3). For more information
about Leeza's Places, please visit http://www.leezasplace.org or call
1-888-OK-Leeza.
SOURCE Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation
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Related links:
http://www.leezasplace.org
CONTACT:
Lisa Vernal of MARC USA PR, +1-412-562-1212,
or lvernal@marcusa.com, for Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation
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