Dementia caregivers have unique challenges during hurricane season

With hurricane season once again approaching, it’s vital that each of us has a plan. However, for the residents living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, things are a little more complicated. Increased anxiety, agitation and the risk of wandering are very real challenges that have to be addressed by caregivers.

I watched my mother and grandmother decline due to this terrible disease. It was devastating to watch both women, who had meant so much to me in my development and who had been so mentally strong, have their mental faculties taken away from them.

But it also inspired me to join the board of the Alzheimer’s Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter and support caregivers in our community.

Dementia causes disorientation and changes in mood and behavior that make emergency situations even more dangerous. My grandmother would often get confused and not understand where she was or who I was. As the disease progresses it can lead to more serious confusion and even unfounded suspicions about family, friends and caregivers. Managing these symptoms can be difficult, but having a plan in place can make it easier.

Make sure you know where you are going. Are you staying or evacuating? Shelters can be overwhelming for anyone, especially someone with dementia, and cause confusion and anxiety. Special needs shelters are available (in Charlotte County, see www.charlottecountyfl.gov/departments/public-safety/emergency-management/special-needs-program.stml ), but even these can be too much for some. Consider staying with a friend or family member out of harm’s way. Whatever you choose, have a plan in place now.

Any change in routine for someone living with Alzheimer’s can be upsetting and increase the risk of wandering. Try to maintain eating, sleeping and medication routines as much as possible. When preparing your hurricane kit, include items that are part of your loved one’s daily life. For example, if they have a snack every day at 3 p.m., make sure you have snacks packed so they can continue that routine. You want to maintain as much normalcy as possible.

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Most importantly, remain calm for your loved one. Reassure them that you will take care of them and it will be OK. Try to avoid detailed explanations that can cause anxiety or too much exposure to the news. It’s critical to share only what information is necessary to keep them at ease and manage the job at hand. Instead, know what provides them comfort and have those tools ready. Do they enjoy crafts, music or looking at family photos? Have those items packed in your emergency kit.

If there’s one last piece of advice I can give you, it’s to have a plan in place now. We know that storms can change direction very quickly and situations can escalate. You don’t have to create a plan all at once. Instead, work on it one piece at a time. It’s ok to ask family or friends for help. We have to be prepared for our loved ones living with dementia.

Also know that the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline is available at 800-272-3900. You can find a disaster preparedness guide for dementia caregivers the Alzheimer’s Association created in partnership with the University of South Florida at alz.org/FLgulfcoast.

As someone impacted by this disease, I hope you will take action. And please reach out if you need help. ¦

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