Musts for Assisted Living Residences When It Comes to Emergency Planning and Preparedness

What does assisted living emergency preparedness mean, and why is it important? Assisted living means providing mature adults with a lifestyle that allows them to maintain independence in a secure environment. At Silverbell Homestead, there’s around-the-clock care. We provide physical activities and healthy options. We manage caregiver aid and medication management. Our facilities offer lifelong learning to stave off cognitive decline. The staff promotes social engagement. Silverbell team members take residents shopping at malls and to local attractions and religious services. We celebrate holidays, birthdays, etc., as a family.

However, the priority is safety. Like any homeowner, we prepare for the worst. Ever hopeful for the best, our communities are ready for the worst. You can’t avoid a storm or a local power outage. However, you can do your best to minimize the chaos with essential emergency planning and preparedness.

Stocking Up On Essentials

Our older population has needs that require attending even when in crisis mode. Every facility has to be ready with the following:

• Water
• Non-perishable food
• First aid supplies
• Sanitation and hygiene products
• Communication devices
• Eyeglasses, hearing aids, canes, etc.
• A well-stocked pharmacy
• Backup generators

Power Supply Essentials: The Importance of a Generator

Backup generators will minimize disruption in the facility’s operations. They:

• Manage comfort by ensuring vital utilities stay on
• Preserve the climate, protecting people susceptible to high or low temps, and ensure medications and food don’t spoil
• Supply peace of mind to residents, promoting a sense of normalcy
• You have to let location dictate what a facility may need. For instance, living in a flood area necessitates having a sump pump.

Comprehensive Evacuation Planning

One of the many tips for assisted living emergency preparedness is comprehensive evacuation planning. Evacuation is the last resort when conditions have turned dangerous. A thorough evacuation plan has to be on the table because we deal with an older, potentially slower population. All staff and residents must have a firm grasp of everyone’s duty if the facility needs clearing.

Compile a comprehensive plan using the following info.

• Learn about the risks associated with the area and design a plan for each. Whether it’s brush or house fires, floods, earthquakes, storms, etc., know the best ways to prepare for them.
• Decide where everyone should go, with staff members responsible for specific sectors. Everyone should know what staircases, exits to use, and the final destination to wait out the calamity. A communal meeting place, perhaps a church, school, or local senior center, would be ideal.
• Whether a smoke alarm goes off or a storm warning is reported, residents and staff should know the steps that create a seamless, safe exit.
• Set up a floor plan and place copies around the residence. It should show doors, windows, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers. Highlight on the map where you’re standing and where the closest emergency exit is.
• Every facility should have a fire warden trained for emergency evacuation.
• There should be updated training and guidelines reiterating. Facilities should stage regular drills.

Additional Emergency Preparedness Tips

Living-assisted facilities have other methods to prepare for emergencies and disasters. Most facilities have a support network. They are there to help everyone recover. That can include knowing where the local hospital or school is. They are often the go-to in the worst of times. Pay attention to alerts and warnings on your devices. They may not happen, but being ready is more critical than skepticism. Also, a well-stocked supply of emergency kits should be kept that are quickly accessible.

Based in Western North Carolina, Silverbell Homestead embraces a holistic and compassionate approach to assisted living. We develop safe, real-home environments that promote well-being. We encourage dignity alongside tailored care. It’s about fun and wonder, from physical exercise to attending festivals or getting a manicure. Silverbell Homestead makes every day complete and productive.