Senior Care
Hurricanes and the Elderly
by Joni Friedmann-Lagasse
HOW MANY OF YOU were horrified when you saw photos of the 850 nursing home residents that were evacuated to a warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish? How about the seniors living in subsidized housing apartments? These poor souls were trapped in their apartments with no electricity, no air conditioning, and no way to get food or even water. Many were disabled and in wheelchairs. The building management had evacuated leaving the most vulnerable people to fend for themselves. While these examples are extreme and some facilities did a great job, many other seniors fell through the cracks. We must do better for our seniors. This brings me to my own special interest in seniors and keeping them safe, preferably in their own home. To do this, you must be prepared. You must have help you can rely on. You really should have a whole house generator and enough food, water, supplies, medication and oxygen to last for seven days. If you have these things, most caregivers will agree to stay in place with you. If you cannot provide these basics things, you should evacuate. The elderly cannot withstand the heat. For Hurricane Ida, Dependable In-Home Care had about 10 percent of our clients stay in the area with their caregivers. All had whole house generators and many caregivers stayed with their clients 24/7. My staff took calls and manned the phones all while being evacuated themselves. I am never prouder of my staff and caregivers than I am in a disaster. They are caring professionals. I have always known that for most people, staying in their own home is usually the safest place for them to be. It’s also where most want to be. If you are reading this and considering care for yourself or a loved one, please consider home care first. You can always move to an assisted living center or nursing home later as conditions change. For more information on home care, cost, and availability please call us today, 504-486-5044. We are Nationally Accredited and have been servicing the Greater New Orleans for over 52 years. Joni Friedmann-Lagasse is the owner of Dependable In-Home Care. O c t obe r - N ov e m be r 2 021
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