Special to Lake Okeechobee News
As hurricane season approaches, caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s have to put a plan in place a bit different than others. They must consider that a shelter can cause anxiety, confusion or stress on their loved one and a different option may need to be made.
The Alzheimer’s Association and University of South Florida created a hurricane caregiver guide called Disaster Preparedness for Dementia Caregivers which offers great tips for creating a plan before a storm hits.
They have an expert that can talk about the limitations of special needs shelters, how to communicate calmly with the person they are caring for and how to compile day-to-day needs, enough for seven days, after a disaster, among other tips.
Additionally, on May 16 there will be a free
WINK Webinar, “
Are you ready? Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Caregivers”. Participants will learn how caregivers of people living with dementia can prepare for hurricanes or other potential disasters with guest speaker Lindsay Peterson Ph. D, University of South Florida.
Topics include:
• How dementia caregivers can prepare for hurricanes or other potential disasters.
• What other caregivers say they wish they knew before experiencing a disaster.
• The limitations of special needs shelters.
• Tips and strategies to be a more effective communicator with someone who has dementia, a key to ensuring safety.
Experts are available to speak to you on these topics in preparation for this year’s hurricane season and look forward to hearing from you.
About the Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit
alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
