How to Prepare for a Medical Emergency

Our senior loved ones are more likely to face a medical emergency or some kind of accident in life than the younger ones. So it is very important to prepare yourself in advance to deal with an emergency if it happens.

Today, let us have a close look at some of the steps that you can follow to prepare for a medical emergency in advance to help you and your senior loved ones remain calm and composed during a difficult situation

• You may have heard the phrase "Prevention is better than cure". The phrase simply means that if you are careful and methodical then you can avoid a crisis such as a medical emergency. Prepare yourself in advance for a medical emergency. Senior people are more prone to falls and trips, especially at night. Keep the lights of the hallways, passages, and washroom on to reduce the risk of falling. If you are availing of professional caregiver services from an elder care service, ensure the caregiver always accompanies your senior loved ones while going out. Ensure, the caregiver keeps you informed and updated about your senior loved one's health and are properly trained in performing life-saving techniques such as CPR, and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

• Create a list of contacts whom you may call during an emergency such as relatives, doctors, therapists, friends, neighbors, ambulances, etc who can support you and your beloved seniors during an emergency.

• Have an emergency kit ready for your beloved seniors containing their medications, bottled water, glasses, non-perishable foods, medical devices such as hearing aids, blood pressure monitors, glucometers, extra batteries, and hygiene products in case of a fire or natural disaster and you and your senior loved ones need to evacuate. You can also keep copies of important documents and spare mobile chargers inside the "ready-to-go emergency kit." Review the contents of the emergency kit every three months.

• Identify some safe spots where you and your senior loved ones can take shelter during a natural calamity such as cyclones, earthquakes, etc. Select a spot where you can meet with the caregiver, relatives, or neighbors if needed. Inform your plan in advance to them to help them locate you easily during an emergency. Don’t forget to grab the emergency kit with you during evacuation.

• Write down the emergency plan you have formulated for a medical emergency or a natural disaster. Senior loved ones often face troubles while remembering a thing or an event. The written record will help them remember what they need to follow during an emergency. Don’t forget to share your emergency plan with the caregiver, relatives friends, etc.

• Keep calm and composed and help others to remain calm. Speak in a gentle tone with your seniors and guide them according to your emergency plan. Ensure you and the caregiver remains with your senior loved ones until medical help arrives. This will help your senior loved ones remain calm until the help arrives.

These are some of the steps you can follow to prepare for a medical emergency to help your senior loved ones don’t feel overly stressed out and perplexed.

Debosree is a professional writer working in the Senior Care Field for quite a long time. She has written many informative blogs and articles on the senior care facilities that are available. He has a great reader base.