Today, an assisted living and dementia memory care home in Chesapeake, Virginia is battening down the hatches for Hurricane Irene. Last week, when an earthquake rocked the northeast, a nursing home in Richmond, Virginia had to evacuate more than 400 elderly residents and 15 were transported to the hospital.
When a senior housing community prepares for an emergency affecting large group of frail elderly people, there are many issues to take into consideration.
Executive director Maria Irlinger and her staff at Dominion Village in Chesapeake, Virginia, are preparing for a category 2 hurricane with sustained winds of over 100 mph making its way toward the facility, which houses 45 residents, including people living in the Alzheimer's and memory care residence.
It's not the first time Dominion Village has weathered a massive storm. Irlinger, who's worked there for 13 years, rode out Hurricane Isabelle there. She spoke with AgingCare.com on how the assisted living and memory care community is prepared – and how other communities should prepare.
Work with sister facilities. Dominion Village partners with other Five-Star Senior Living communities in Richmond, Charlottesville and Fredericksville. If evacuation is needed, residents are transported to one of these facilities. In addition, a block of hotel rooms has been reserved in case extra space is needed for staff or residents.
Protect families. Families have the option of picking up their relative, or if they are unable to, evacuation locations will be communicated to them. Families can also call an 800 number to get information. Families are given a sheet of emergency contact numbers, including the cell phone numbers for staff members. Quarterly family meetings bring families up-to-date on disaster planning.
Emergency supply kits. Every resident has a kit in his or her closet that contains clothing, toiletries, a flashlight, ID and other critical supplies.
Medications. Medications are pre-ordered, and the community has a 2-week supply on hand. Medical carts are set up for both the Alzheimer's and assisted living facilities.
Medical records. If the residence is evacuated, residents' charts and medical information go with the staff.
Coordination with local emergency public safety agencies. Pre-set emergency management plans are in place with local police, fire, and other emergency personnel. Agreements for property protection are in place.
Generators. Power was out for three days following Hurricane Isabelle. Generators are on hand in case of a power outage.
Disaster feeding plan. A week's supply of food and water, enough for all residents and staff is stocked.
Medical equipment. Supplies of oxygen tanks, tubes and other durable medical equipment are on-site. Stretchers are available to move bed-ridden patients, including some in hospice care. Guidelines are set up with transport companies ahead of time.
Behavioral issues. Disrupting an Alzheimer or dementia patient's routine can result in emotional outbursts. The staff validates the residents' concerns, yet directs them to safety. During an emergency, Ms. Irlinger says the memory-impaired residents are extremely perceptive. They understand something is happening and that something is wrong, even if they don't comprehend the specifics. The staff plans activities during the storm to maintain as much normalcy as possible.
Drills. Both staff and residents have participated in emergency drills previously.