(855) 462 0100 Elderwerks.org 285 HELPFUL INFORMATION ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE & DISASTER PREPAREDNESS To plan for possible separation: • Provide local police and emergency services with photos of the person and copies of his or her medical documents, so that they are aware of the person’s needs. Be ready to alert them if you and the person in your care become separated. • Prepare for wandering. Place labels in garments to aid in identification. • Be sure that the person wears an identification bracelet. • Contact your local Alzheimer’s Association chapter and enroll the person in the Medic Alert + Safe Return program—an identification and support service for people with Alzheimer’s who may become lost or injured. • Make plans with trusted people who can help the person. Educate them about the person’s disabilities. Give examples of simple instructions that the person may follow. • Give a trusted neighbor, friend, or relative a house key and a list of emergency phone numbers. Take Care of Yourself? Staying healthy helps you provide the best possible care to a person with Alzheimer’s. To protect your health during a natural disaster: • Ensure proper nutrition and hydration. • Rest. • Practice good hygiene. • Find a doctor and pharmacy. • Find a good listener or spiritual support. For More Information Alzheimer’s and Related Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR) P.O. Box 8250 Silver Spring, MD 20907-8250 1-800-438-4380 (toll-free) 1-800-222-2225 (TTY/toll-free) adear@nia.nih.gov www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers The National Institute on Aging’s ADEAR Center offers information and publications for families, caregivers, and professionals on Alzheimer’s disease research, diagnosis, treatment, patient care, caregiver needs, longterm care, and education and training. Staff members answer telephone, email, and written requests and make referrals to local and national resources. The ADEAR website offers free, online publications in English and Spanish; email alert and subscriptions; an Alzheimer’s clinical trials database; the Alzheimer’s Disease Library database (AD Lib); online resource lists; and more. See the “Natural Disaster Safety” section of the ADEAR booklet Home Safety for People with Alzheimer’s Disease, available in English and Spanish. Alzheimer’s Association 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601-7633 1-800-272-3900 (toll-free) 1-866-403-3073 (TDD/toll-free) www.alz.org See the Association’s list of points to consider in disaster planning when caring for someone with Alzheimer›s disease. American Red Cross www.redcross.org The Red Cross Web site provides specific recommendations on the types and amounts of food, water, and supplies you should have on hand in the event of a natural disaster. It also tells you how to find your local Red Cross chapter. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) P.O. Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055 1-800-621-3362 (toll-free) 1-800-462-7585 (TDD/toll-free) www.fema.gov The FEMA Web site offers general disaster planning advice tailored to specific types of disaster. It also provides a guide to locating local disaster recovery centers. U.S. Administration on Aging Washington, DC 20201 1-202-619-0724 www.aoa.gov See the Administration’s Resources for Individuals, Families and Caregivers for tips on emergency preparation, planning checklists, and ways to seek assistance after a disaster. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Washington, D.C. 20528 1-202-282-8000 www.dhs.gov The Department of Homeland Security Web site provides disaster preparedness information for home health care providers that covers both human-made and natural disasters. Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center A Service of the National Institute on Aging National Institutes of Health Content reviewed May 17, 2017
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