Disaster Preparedness: How To Help an Older Adult

Palm Desert, California, is no stranger to natural disasters, from relentless heat waves to unpredictable wildfires and occasional earthquakes. Older adults in this region face unique vulnerabilities during such events. Chronic health conditions, cognitive decline, limited mobility, and social isolation make it harder for elders to respond to disasters.

Here’s how to help an older adult with disaster preparedness and stay one step ahead of unexpected challenges.

Assess Needs and Capabilities

Assess your relative’s specific needs and capabilities before creating a disaster plan. Every person is different, so understanding health, mobility, and support systems will ensure you create a personalized plan.

Start by documenting chronic health conditions, medications, allergies, and any assistive devices used. It’s also helpful to know if they rely on electrically powered medical equipment so you can plan for power outages. Have backup walkers or canes near the exits and identify whether they will require additional help.

Another crucial aspect is their social support system. Is there a network of family, friends, or neighbors who can step in to assist? If not, strengthen that network before an emergency arises. Knowing who your elder can call upon during a disaster is key to preventing panic.

Build a Practical Disaster Plan

Once you’ve assessed your elder’s needs, it’s time to build a practical disaster preparedness plan. Begin by identifying evacuation routes and local shelters that are older adult-friendly and air-conditioned—critical in Palm Desert, where extreme heat can quickly turn dangerous.

Be sure to know multiple evacuation routes in case one is inaccessible. Include a communication strategy with an emergency contact list that’s easily manageable. Ideally, these routes and lists should be a physical list in their wallet or purse and a digital copy distributed to everyone in the support network.

Set up meeting points for family and neighbors in case of evacuation. One should be near the home, and another should be a safe distance away in case the area becomes unsafe. Having designated spots saves time and prevents confusion if phone networks go down.

Prepare an Emergency Kit in Advance

Every disaster plan should include a well-stocked emergency kit, customized to meet your loved one’s specific needs. This kit should cover at least three to seven days of supplies, focusing on essential items. Here’s what you should pack:

1. Enough non-perishable food and one gallon of water per person per day.
2. A multi-day supply of prescriptions and any medical equipment, such as glucose monitors or an extra inhaler.
3. Photocopies of IDs, medical records, insurance policies, and emergency contacts.
4. Bag toiletries, hand sanitizers, and any personal hygiene items your loved one may need.
5. Flashlights, a weather radio, extra batteries, and a whistle for signaling help.

Make sure the emergency kit is lightweight and portable, such as in a rolling bag or backpack, to make it easier for older adults to carry if they must evacuate quickly.

Address the Emotional Side of Preparedness

While gathering supplies and writing plans are vital, it’s just as important to acknowledge the emotional toll disaster preparedness can have, especially for older adults. Talking about wildfires, power outages, or evacuations can cause anxiety or bring up past traumatic experiences. For some, small changes in routine can feel overwhelming, so introducing disaster planning requires sensitivity and reassurance.

Start by involving your elder in conversations early and often, using calm, clear language. Frame preparedness to stay safe and independent, rather than something to fear. Reassure them that having a plan doesn’t mean a disaster will happen; it means they’ll be ready, just in case. Offering choices, such as what goes into their emergency kit or who should be listed as an emergency contact, helps them feel more in control.

Repeat key points gently and consistently over time if your loved one is living with memory issues or cognitive decline. Posting emergency contacts on the fridge or labeling items in their kit and other visual reminders can reinforce important information. These small steps help reduce stress and build confidence.

Prepare Pets for Disasters

Pets aren’t just companions for many older adults; they’re part of the family, and in some cases, service animals that provide critical support. You must account for their pet’s needs in any disaster plan, whether it’s a beloved cat, a loyal dog, or a trained service animal.

Make sure your emergency kit includes several days’ worth of pet food, medications, a leash or harness, and a copy of their vaccination records. Ensure that evacuation shelters in your area, including those in and around Riverside County, CA, are pet- or service-animal-friendly if your loved one relies on a service animal.

Most importantly, don’t separate them unless necessary. The presence of a pet or service animal offers emotional stability during high-stress situations and makes transitions, such as evacuations, far less frightening. It’s also a good idea to add a pet ID tag with up-to-date contact information and, if possible, microchip the animal for added security.

Safeguard the Home Ahead of Time

In addition to planning and packing, it’s crucial to ensure the home environment is safe. Remove any tripping hazards and secure heavy furniture with fasteners in case of an earthquake.

During extreme heat or wildfire season, ensure your loved one’s home is well-ventilated and has a working HVAC system. Consider adding portable fans or air conditioning units to keep the space cool and comfortable. It’s also smart to set up backup battery packs for any medical equipment that requires power.

Double-check that your loved one knows how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity, or have a caregiver or neighbor available to help in an emergency. Staying informed is also vital. Encourage your elder and their support network to use the FEMA app or listen to local radio stations for real-time weather and disaster warning updates.

Regularly Update the Disaster Plan

A disaster plan isn’t something you set and forget. As life changes, so should the plan. Make it a habit to review the disaster plan every six months to include changes in your loved one’s health, new medications, or a new living situation. An updated plan confirms that nothing falls through the cracks when disaster strikes.

Wrap It All Together With the Right Support

Disaster preparedness isn’t just about stocking supplies; it’s about building a plan that reflects an elder’s needs, abilities, well-being, and environment. Every detail matters, from crafting communication strategies to securing the home. By staying proactive, you can help reduce risks and respond more confidently when emergencies arise. These steps are a strong place to start if you’ve been wondering how to help an older adult with disaster preparedness.

Call Palm Desert in home care service Caring Hearts Premier Home Care, for added peace of mind. Our caregivers handle your loved one’s daily needs—medications, mobility, and companionship—giving them a deep understanding of their routines. This knowledge ensures our in-home care supports any emergency plan that needs to be put in place.