There are a number of things you should be prepared for if you’re a primary caregiver for a senior, and one of these is a potential medical emergency. Whether specific to a pre-existing condition or sudden illness, being prepared can save lives. Unfortunately, emergencies are more common among seniors and those with significant medical issues.
At Comfort Home Care, we offer a number of services that benefit clients, with programs to guard against fall prevention as well as helping our clients with their activities of daily living.
Being Prepared for an In-home Care Emergency
What are some important ways caregivers should be prepared in case of an emergency? Here are several items to consider.
Medication Reminders
For any seniors under your care, be sure you know what medications they take on a regular basis, as well as any allergies. In case of an emergency, it’s important to have medications on hand so that you can remind those in your care to take approved medications. This is especially important if the senior takes medication for a condition that could potentially be life-threatening if left untreated, such as diabetes.
It’s a good idea to keep a list of medications in a central location, as well as any information on allergies, and make sure that all members of the household are aware of its existence and know where it is. That way, if you’re not home or are unable to communicate for some reason, someone else will be able to take over and make sure the senior gets the care they need.
Making Emergency Plans
Another important step you can take is to sit down with the seniors in your care and create an emergency plan. This should include things like what to do in case of a fall, how to reach you or other emergency contacts, and what course of action to take if specific medical symptoms occur.
Consider In-Home Devices
There are a number of devices that can be installed in homes to help make them safer for seniors, and these can be a great addition to any caregiving business. Things like medical alert systems or fall detection devices can help you respond quickly in case of an emergency and can give seniors and their families peace of mind knowing that help is always just a button press away.
For more on how caregivers can be prepared in case of any medical emergency, or to learn about any of our in-home care services for seniors or others with medical conditions, speak to the team at Comfort Home Care today.
