SeniorHomes.com Provides Respite Care Resources for Aging Loved Ones in Hurricane Sandy’s Path

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Any severe weather event can pose dangers to seniors, especially those living alone. Fortunately, many senior living providers offer emergency, short-term respite care during events like Hurricane Sandy.
-Chris Rodde, CEO of SeniorHomes.com

Seattle, WA (PRWEB) October 30, 2012

Hurricane season is a time of worry for any resident living in hurricane-prone areas, but long-distance caregivers with aging loved ones living in these regions have an extra challenge in keeping their loved ones safe. As Hurricane Sandy approaches the East Coast and threatens many areas not accustomed to handling massive storms such as this, caregivers with loved ones in Frankenstorm’s path are scrambling to ensure the safety of their aging parents and loved ones.

Hurricane Sandy threatens unprecedented damage in areas not readily prepared for hurricane-strength winds and potential flooding from massive amounts of rainfall. Whether your loved one lives in a hurricane- or other disaster-prone area or Sandy is your first encounter with the potential hazards of severe weather threats, Hurricane Sandy is making caregivers across the U.S. well aware of the need to be prepared for emergency situations. Here are a few tips to make sure your aging loved ones are safe:

•     Have an emergency kit on hand. An emergency kit contains items like non-perishable foods, bottled water and enough medications for one to two weeks. Batteries, flashlights, candles and essential medical supplies are also advised.
•     Keep a supply of non-perishable foods. If you have ample warning time before an impending storm, as many on the East Coast have had with Hurricane Sandy’s imminent landfall, make sure your elderly loved ones have a supply of non-perishable foods, such as bread, peanut butter and bottled water. Should electricity be out for more than a few hours, foods that require refrigeration or freezing could spoil.
•     Enlist a nearby friend or neighbor for emergency evacuation assistance. There are some areas in Sandy’s path being evacuated due to the potential for dangerous flooding. Having a nearby person on standby to help in emergencies can ease caregivers’ worry when evacuations occur and your loved ones have mobility concerns.
•     Have a backup generator available. A backup generator can generate electricity to run equipment, such as portable oxygen tanks, and keep essential appliances running, such as refrigerators, necessary to maintain the integrity of insulin for diabetic patients. Long-distance caregivers should enlist a nearby friend or neighbor who can help their loved ones set up their generator during power outages.
•     Maintain local contacts for emergency respite care. Many senior living facilities offer short-term respite stays during emergencies, and they’re often better able to keep your elderly loved ones safe during dangerous storms.

SeniorHomes.com, a free nationwide resource for seniors and their families searching for senior care or senior housing, has a comprehensive Respite Care Center which offers an abundance of resources on understanding respite care and in what situations it can help. The Respite Care Center also contains an easy-to-use, nationwide directory of senior living facilities offering respite care to ease the stressful process for long-distance caregivers frantically searching for safe accommodations for their loved ones.

“Respite care is a viable alternative for keeping aging loved ones safe during severe weather events, especially if the nearest relatives live hundreds of miles away and may not be able to reach their loved ones due to evacuations and road closings,” says Chris Rodde, CEO of SeniorHomes.com. “Any severe weather event can pose dangers to seniors, especially those living alone. Fortunately, many senior living providers offer emergency, short-term respite care during events like Hurricane Sandy.”

Senior living facilities, including assisted living homes and nursing homes, are often better-equipped to handle issues like power outages, with backup generators and other resources to continue providing essential medical care. The majority are also required to have evacuation plans that are proven to maximize safety, should evacuations become necessary.

To look for senior living facilities providing respite care in your area, search our nationwide directory by zip code or city and state at SeniorHomes.com or call a SeniorHomes.com Care Advisor at 1-800-276-1202.

About SeniorHomes.com

SeniorHomes.com (http://www.seniorhomes.com) is a free resource for people looking for senior housing or senior care for a loved one or themselves. With expert-written articles, a comprehensive directory of care options and a free care advisor service, SeniorHomes.com is the best place to start your search for assisted living, independent living, Alzheimer's care, a retirement community or home care. For example, check out our New York Respite Care page for a complete listing of over 85 communities in the immediate area or call 800-276-1202 to talk to an advisor for free today.

If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Chris Rodde, please call Natalie Vaché at (206)-673-4755, or email her at Natalie(at)seniorhomes(dot)com.

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