Whether you are a caregiver helpful friend or neighbor or a professional first responder there are some things you should keep in mind in case…

Try: Whether you are a caregiver helpful friend or neighbor or a professional first responder there are some things you should keep in mind in case of an emergency that requires evacuation of seniors or others with disabilities assess mobility issues are there mobility aids visible such as canes walker or wheelchairs are service animals present if no mobility aids are visible ask the evacuee about his or her physical capabilities can the evacuee stand walk and or use the arms identify yourself state the reason you are there and show proper identification speak clearly and slowly and on eye level with the evacuee give the evacuee time to process and respond to the information treat the evacuee with respect and dignity keep your sentences short look for any health and medical identification check for any medical alert bracelets ask the evacuee where his or her medications may be stored check to see if any medications are visible on the counter or in the cabinets check for emergency contact information by the phone observe whether the evacuee is wearing a hearing aid or glasses or seems confused or agitated or having difficulty communicating with you encourage cooperation with reassurance talk your way through whatever procedures may be necessary in a calm and reassuring tone reduce excessive noise and distractions turn off the television or radio turn off any flashing lights and sirens if possible references adapted in part from the u s department of health and human services intenet website www hhs gov

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Categories: Communication, Emotional Psychological, Medical Physical, Needs Some Assistance, Needs Much Assistance, Immobile, Some Supervision, Maximum Supervision, So-So Vision, Poor Vision, So-So Hearing, Poor Hearing, So-So Smelling, Poor Smelling, So-So Touch, Poor Touch, So-So Verbal Comm, Poor Verbal Comm, Somewhat Aware, Unaware

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Keywords: Emergency preparedness disaster preparedness evacuation procedures

*This information is listed as a Fact Sheet and is not explicitly medically licensed

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