Blog

A Caregiver's Emergency Preparedness Guide in 2020

June 9, 2020
When it comes to Emergency and Disaster Planning, Planning Ahead is most important! Now that we South Floridians have entered into Hurricane season, planning ahead is more important than ever.

We at BrightStar Care® of Delray Beach abide by our County-Mandated Emergency and Disaster Planning Guide. If you work with an Agency, make sure that you work with them to develop your plan. Do you have the option to have someone take you shopping for Hurricane supplies and equipment? Do you need a caregiver to shelter in place through the storm with you in the event that you lose utilities, or roads are closed for an extended period of time? Are you or a loved one on oxygen? If so, are you registered with the county so that you can have access to a Special Needs Shelter with Auxiliary Power? Creating a Care team is an essential part of being able to give full-encompassing care; you do not, and should not have to do it alone!
Have a Disaster Plan: will you head to a Shelter, go stay with family, shelter in place? Whatever your disaster plan, in a waterproof container or bag, pack: Copies of important documents, such as legal papers, a list of medications and dosages, and insurance information, Several sets of extra clothing, Extra medication, Incontinence products to keep dry. You will also want items like Bottled water, Flashlights with extra batteries, Favorite items or foods, and Extra batteries for hearing aids, extra eyeglasses, etc. in the event of a sudden disaster where you must shelter in place.

In today’s day and age, we know that we are living in a completely “new normal.” With the dangers of COVID-19 and difficult driving conditions due to inclement weather, we know that it may feel safer to just stay home. Did you know that if you require skilled services, more than likely you are able to receive them in your own home? Organizations such as Medicare and the VA, if you are entitled, can usually send someone directly to you, after you go through the proper channels. A doctor’s order is usually required; so be sure to ask you physician. Examples of skilled services that can be provided in-home are: Nursing care, such as wound or catheter care; Physical, Occupational, or Speech therapy; Patient education about managing your medicines or illness; Home Safety evaluations; and Social work support. Private Agencies such as BrightStar Care® of Delray Beach even offer more specific Skilled Care, such as in-home Infusion Therapy and Medication Management by Registered Nurses, though services such as these will likely have a degree of out of pocket expense.

Here at BrightStar Care® of Delray Beach, we understand that care is never a “one size fits all” situation; and we believe that everyone is entitled to the best care possible! We want you to use us as your resource; regardless of whether or not you utilize our Skilled, Personal, or Companionship Services. You can feel confident knowing we are capable of assisting you in filing all necessary paperwork to help you receive benefits from Medicare, Medicaid, or the VA, at no charge to you; and that we will never bill you for services that you could receive for free through another type of agency without your permission. We are committed to helping you achieve the Highest Standard of Care you are capable of receiving; please give our office a call at (561) 921-0550 to find out how.