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Caring for a senior loved one often means being prepared for the unexpected. While you can’t predict when an emergency will happen, knowing what to do can make all the difference in staying calm and providing the best possible care.
Create an Emergency Plan
A well-thought-out emergency plan is your first line of defense. It acts as a quick reference guide when stress is high and time is short. Your plan should be accessible to you and anyone else who provides care.
- Contact list – Compile a list of important phone numbers. Include emergency services (911), doctors, family members, neighbors, and poison control.
- Medical information – Document your loved one’s medical history, current medications and dosages, allergies, and any existing conditions. Keep a copy of your loved one’s insurance card and photo ID with this information.
- Emergency kit – Assemble a kit with first aid supplies, extra medication, bottled water, nonperishable snacks, and copies of important documents.
A professional caregiver can help you put together a complete emergency plan for your loved one. Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care service Philadelphia seniors and families can rely on for compassionate, high-quality service. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
Know When to Call for Help
Recognizing the signs of a serious medical event is crucial. While not every situation requires a call to 911, some symptoms should never be ignored. Seek immediate medical attention if your loved one experiences:
- Chest pain or pressure
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Sudden confusion or trouble speaking
- Numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
- Severe bleeding or a head injury
- Loss of consciousnes
When in doubt, it’s always better to call for emergency services. Be prepared to provide the dispatcher with your location and a clear description of the situation.
If you’re concerned about ensuring your loved one’s safety in case of an emergency, consider hiring a professional caregiver. Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but live-in care experts in Philadelphia are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional live-in caregivers from Home Care Assistance to enhance his or her quality of life.
Stay Calm and Provide Reassurance
In an emergency, your calm demeanor can be incredibly reassuring to your loved one. Speak in a soothing voice and let your loved one know help is on the way. If it’s safe to do so, stay with your loved one until medical professionals arrive. Avoid moving your loved one, especially if he or she may have a neck or spine injury, unless he or she is in immediate danger. Providing comfort can reduce anxiety and prevent the condition from worsening.
Communicate with Medical Personnel
When first responders arrive, you’ll be their most valuable source of information. Hand over the medical information you prepared and clearly explain what happened. Be ready to answer questions about your loved one’s baseline condition and any recent changes in his or her health. The details you provide can help the medical team make faster, more accurate decisions about treatment. Make sure to ask where they’re taking your loved one and get a contact number for the facility.
Being able to communicate with medical personnel is especially important if your loved one has cognitive issues due to Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of the exceptional dementia care Home Care Assistance of Philadelphia is proud to provide for older adults. Families can rely on our professional caregivers to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call (215) 645-4663 today.