With age can come mobility challenges and a decrease in cognitive abilities. When paired, these symptoms can make it hard for seniors to move swiftly and make quick decisions in emergency situations.
It is essential for seniors to have access to helpful tools that can help them in the case of an emergency, whether they need to evacuate a premise or communicate urgent needs to another individual.
These tools are suitable in various emergency situations and can make a world of difference for seniors to help them communicate and maintain a healthy, independent and fulfilled life.
Evacuation Chair
Seniors also rely on transportation from different floors from point A to point B. While this helps seniors in their day-to-day to reduce travel spent, it is specifically important in the case of an emergency. After all, quick transportation and evacuation tool is an emergency evacuation chair, a chair that only requires the assistance of one another person to transport a senior (or any individual) for a safe descent. Having an evacuation chair around is essential in case of an emergency evacuation for descending stairs or those with low mobility.
Mobility Aids
If a senior requires a regular mobility aid, this aid must be with them at all times. When in an emergency, a mobility aid can help a senior get to a rescue spot or any allocated area where they can obtain an additional tools or help they require. Whether it is a walking cane, walker or wheelchair, mobility aids should be regularly and easily accessible.
Contact List
In case of an emergency, every senior should have a list of emergency contacts consisting of:
- Family members
- Friends
- Doctors
- Caregivers
In the worst-case scenario where a senior cannot communicate, their contact list will allow medical professionals to reach their next of kin.
Informational Card
In case of emergency, having medication or have allergies on a card can be lifesaving. At any given time, the senior in your life should have the following listed on their person:
- Allergies
- Medication
- Blood type
- Illness’
- Past surgeries
- Hearing Aids
There are various hearing aids to choose from depending on ear shape and size. It is important to have extra batteries on hand or rechargeable batteries in case of emergencies. Be patient when you notice someone with a hearing aid, as you may not sound as straightforward as you’d think.
Grab & Go Bag
Depending on the day and the emergency, having a bag with a few essentials is something every senior should have in case of an emergency. Essentials to keep in a grab and go bag include:
- Calming essential oil
- A photograph of a good memory or someone you love
- Bandages
Polls find that many adults over the age of 50 are not ready in case of an emergency. The unfortunate truth is there is a higher likelihood of requiring medical assistance as a senior. It is up to you and your loved ones to prepare for worst-case scenarios and prevent long-term consequences by having evacuation tools at the ready.