We reach out to you during this stressful severe weather season that continues to challenge us all.  As you may know, a disaster situation, such as a tornado or flash flood can significantly add to the stress and confusion of someone with memory loss or Alzheimer's. This can lead to unsafe and distressing behaviors, such as wandering or agitation. 

Here are some disaster preparedness tips to help you keep your loved one safe during an emergency or emergency evacuation.  Additionally, if you need transportation, please call your local emergency management office.  This link includes the emergency management contacts by county:  http://www.iowahomelandsecurity.org/Portals/0/CountyCoordinators/Coor_Homeland_short.pdf

If you know a pending disaster is about to occur

• Get yourself and the person with Alzheimer’s to a safe place.
• If the need to evacuate is likely, do not delay. Try to leave as early as possible to minimize long delays in heavy traffic.
• Alert others (family, friends, medical personnel) that you are changing locations, and give them your contact information. Contact them regularly as you move.
• Be sure there are people other than the primary caregiver who have copies of the person with dementia’s medical history, medications, physician information and family contacts.
• Purchase extra medications.
• If your loved one uses oxygen, be sure to obtain portable tanks.
   

Prepare an emergency kit

Keep your emergency kit in a watertight container and store it in an easily accessible location. Here are some items to put in it:  

• A couple of sets of easy on/off clothes
• Supplies of medication
• Incontinence products
• Extra identification items for the person, such as an ID bracelet and clothing tags, copies of legal and medical documents
• Information about the person's doctor, including name, address, office phone numbers and cell phone number
• A recent picture of the person with dementia
• Hand lotion or other items to promote comfort
• Bottled water
• Favorite items or foods. Liquid meals.
• A pillow, toy or something else to hug
   

During an evacuation

• When appropriate, inform others (hotel or shelter staff, family members, airline attendants) that your loved one has dementia and may not understand what is happening.
• Do not leave the person alone. It only takes a few minutes to wander away and get lost.
• Changes in routine, traveling and new environments can cause: agitation, wandering, increase in behavioral symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions and sleep disturbance.
• Do your best to remain calm. The person with dementia will respond to the emotional tone you set.
   

Tips for preventing agitation

• Reassure the person. Hold hands or put your arm on his or her shoulder. Say things are going to be fine.
• Find outlets for anxious energy. Take a walk together or engage the person in simple tasks.
• Avoid elaborate or detailed explanations. Provide in-formation using concrete terms. Follow brief explanations with reassurance.
• Make sure the person takes medications as scheduled.
• Pay attention to cues that the person may be over-whelmed (fidgeting, pacing).
• Remind the person that he or she is in the right place.
   

An additional reminder that the Alzheimer’s Association has a 24/7 Helpline with language services in 147 differing dialects.  1.800.272.3900.   Please call us if you need support during this difficult time.