When severe weather, a power outage, or another emergency interrupts daily life, families often discover that they are unsure who is checking on an older loved one, where important information is stored, or how everyone will stay in touch. A simple communication plan can prevent that uncertainty.
September is Preparedness Month in South Carolina, and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division is encouraging residents, families, and communities to prepare before a disaster occurs. For families in Greenville, Spartanburg, Easley, and Piedmont, this is a timely opportunity to create a communication plan that supports an aging loved one at home.
Why Communication Comes First
Emergency supplies matter, but a plan is only effective if the right people know how to use it. An older adult may need help making decisions, finding a safe place to go, charging a phone, reaching a pharmacy, or arranging transportation during an outage.
A communication plan makes responsibilities clear before a stressful situation begins. It answers practical questions:
- Who calls or visits first?
- Who has a key to the home?
- Who knows about medications, mobility needs, and medical equipment?
- Who can help with transportation?
- Who contacts the doctor, pharmacy, or care provider if needed?
- Who checks in if the first person is unavailable?
Choose a Primary Contact and Backup
Every family should name one primary person responsible for coordinating communication. This person does not have to do everything. Their role is to make sure everyone has accurate information and that no one assumes another person has already checked in.Choose at least one backup contact in case the primary person is traveling, sick, unreachable, or affected by the same emergency. When possible, select someone who lives nearby and someone who lives outside the immediate area.
A nearby contact may be able to visit the senior’s home. An out-of-area contact can be useful if local phone networks are busy or family members need one person to share updates with the larger family.
Make a Check-In Schedule
A good plan is specific. Rather than saying, “Someone will check on Mom,” decide who will call or visit and when.For example:
- A nearby family member calls each morning during a weather event.
- A neighbor checks in during the afternoon if the power is out.
- An adult child sends an evening text or calls to confirm the senior has food, water, medications, and a safe place to sleep.
- A caregiver reports any concerns to the designated family contact.
Keep Important Information Together
The communication plan should include more than phone numbers. Keep a printed information sheet in a clearly marked place, such as the refrigerator, a kitchen drawer, or a folder near the front door.Include:
- Full name, date of birth, home address, and preferred phone number.
- Emergency contacts and backup contacts.
- Physician, pharmacy, and medical-equipment provider numbers.
- Medication list, allergies, and important health information.
- Insurance details and preferred hospital.
- Mobility needs and assistive devices.
- Where to find emergency supplies, keys, and important documents.
- The name and number of any in-home care provider.