hurricane in Mooresville, NC, is upon us, and it’s important to know what to look for in a senior-friendly assisted living community. If you’re considering a move, this guide will help you determine whether or not the community has planned ahead of time (and how) for emergencies like hurricanes.
Evacuation Plans
As you’re considering your options, you must find out if the senior-friendly assisted living community has an evacuation plan. If they don’t, it’s probably not a good fit for you.
If you’re looking to move in with someone who lives alone, this is also especially important. Make sure that any family members or friends know about the evacuation plan and have been made aware of where to go if they need help during an emergency. And remember: all residents need a place to go if they are disabled or unable to evacuate independently (this is especially true for those who live in assisted-living communities). Make sure your loved one has somewhere safe and secure before choosing them as a roommate!
If the Senior Living Community has a plan in place, there will be no surprises when an evacuation occurs. You can rest assured that your loved one is getting the best care during this stressful time.
Hurricane Shelters
Before looking at hurricane shelters, ensure you know what to look for. Below are some questions to ask about your senior-friendly assisted living community’s hurricane shelters:
- How far is the shelter from the coast? The farther inland a shelter is located, the safer it will be from storm surges and flooding. Coastal areas may not have viable evacuation options leading to a big storm.
- How many people can fit in one shelter? Are there enough spots for every resident in your senior living community (and their families)? If not, can they be moved to another facility with a room?
- Does your senior living community have backup generators in case power goes out during a hurricane or other emergency? What happens if those fail as well? Will there still be water available, or will residents need to boil it first before drinking it—or worse yet—will they need clean water delivered by truck or helicopter until local utilities can restore service?
Emergency Communication Procedures
If a hurricane is on its way, you must have ways of making sure that you, your loved ones and your caregivers are all safe. Your senior living community should be prepared to communicate with residents and family members in an emergency.
It’s also important for the care team in your community to clearly understand what will happen and how they can help during this time. Communication is key in any situation, but it’s especially important when there are emergencies like a hurricane or severe weather events.
Conclusion
We hope we’ve helped you to be better prepared for a hurricane. You can always ask your loved ones about the community they are living in and see if there are any safety procedures in place. You can also reach out to us at Terrabella Lake Norman if you need assistance or have questions about how to prepare!
