Hurricane Season and Seniors – Are You Prepared?

In this video, we’ll give you a few tips to help seniors get prepared for hurricane season. This is not going to be an exhaustive list, but more to get you in that mindset of being prepared. YouTube video player

Transcript:

Hey, I’m Jonathan Marsh with Home Helpers. Let’s go over a few tips to make sure you’re prepared for hurricane season. Let’s go! As you know, the official hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1st to November 30th. And this year, as if on cue, there was a storm immediately brewing in the Gulf of Mexico on June 1st. Wow. When hurricane season comes, we’re always keeping an eye out on storms and reaching out to Manatee County Emergency Management to make sure we’re taking all of the right actions to keep our clients and our staff safe. In this video, I wanted to give you a few tips to help you get prepared for hurricane season. This is not going to be an exhaustive list, but more to get you in that mindset of being prepared. This video is more directed at seniors, but I’ll have some resources listed at the end for everyone.

Tip 1: Have a plan, have a plan, have a plan. Where are you going to go if there’s a hurricane? Are you going to stay home? Stay in town but go to a friend’s house or hotel? Stay in a community that provides respite care? Stay in a shelter? Or leave town? And do you have pets?

Of course, your decision may change and may be influenced by the strength of the storm, your care needs, whether or not you live in a flood zone, and other factors. Here in Manatee County and all across Florida is something called the Special Needs Registry for residents who may need assistance with evacuation and sheltering in times of a disaster. I’ll leave some information about that at the end of the video. What’s important about that is if you or your family member meet the criteria for the Special Needs Registry, you need to pre-register. Do that now. Do not wait until the storm to reach out, or you may miss out.

Tip 2: Have a list of medications and assistive devices. Have this list so you don’t forget meds and assistive devices you need if you have to evacuate. You also want to make sure you have enough of your medications to last you for a few days.

Tip 3: Print a list of emergency contacts in case you need help. This should include multiple people such as family, friends, and neighbors.

Now, let’s go over some resources that you may want to take advantage of to make sure you are prepared for hurricane season. I’ll list them here, but I’ll also include links in the comments or description depending on the online platform that you’re using to watch this video. First off, Manatee County. Manatee County has a wealth of resources for hurricane preparedness. If you’re not in Manatee County, your county likely has some similar resources. Manatee County has available their 2022 Hurricane Guide that’s available online, or you can pick up a hard copy at any Manatee Chamber of Commerce Office. The Manatee County Government site also has lots of good information, including the opportunity to sign up to receive emergency text alerts. Manatee County also has the Special Needs Registry. Look into this if you or your loved one may need extra support during a disaster. Remember, this will require advanced registration. And last but not least, the Red Cross has their Disaster Prep Guide For Seniors By Seniors. So there’s always lots of good information there. Thank you for watching this video, and until next time, this is Jonathan Marsh signing off. Let’s go!

HOME HELPERS OF BRADENTON

Home Helpers of Bradenton is one of the region’s leading home care franchises specializing in comprehensive services for seniors. Home Helpers’ sole mission is to make life easier for clients and their families. Based in Bradenton, Florida, the company serves all of Manatee County, including the communities of Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Palmetto, and Parrish. For more information or to request a free in-home care assessment, contact our office at (941) 499-5946 or visit our website at www.homehelpershomecare.com/bradenton

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Speaking as a professional in the senior living space I would feel confident making referrals to Home Helpers and have the trust in their team to provide supportive services with care and compassion. Leadership comes from the top and I know that their team of qualified healthcare providers will do right for your loved ones and give you the peace of mind you are seeking. I would highly recommend Home Helpers for any of my clients and their families!

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We engaged Home Helpers of Bradenton for our father who was in a rehab facility. They had been recommended and we were very satisfied. From the prompt initial assessment (on Christmas Eve!) to the rapid planning for what days/times we needed, to the outstanding services of the aides we received. It’s important to note that the main ‘office’ is essentially available 24x7 by phone or text. We had a lot of shifting needs and Margie and the team were always available and flexible at any hour. Finally was the exemplary service of home health aides Deborah and Beth. Both were responsive and professional. Especially Deborah who was an active and effective communicator, always keeping us informed throughout her session. I highly recommend this organization.

RHONA HECHT BRADENTON, FL

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"Shari Root was caregiver to my partner for many years five days a week. she helped get him up in the morning showered and dressed and situaed in his wheelchair. He loved when she made him grilled cheese sandwiches her special way. She was always available to help around the HOUSE NEVER sat down to do coloring or puzzles like some of the other aids that we had. I was happy to hear that she was made Aid of the year and will be honored at a banquet in Tampa Florida and a trip to Scottsdale. Kirk would be very happy to hear her being rewarded in this manner. Rhona Hecht"

MARCIE SILVERMAN UNIVERSITY PARK, FL

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"We have reached out to jonathan and his team 2 times when my father-in-law fell and needed extra care at home. Since we live out of state, its was a huge weight off of our shoulders to know that my miL had the support she needed. Shes only 4’8” tall and Physically could nOt help him. having the emotional support Made all the difference for her. During the 2 times, they had a main caregiver, Ursy, with extra support when She couldn’t come, every caregiver that came was punCtual, pleasant and helpful - each in their own way. Some liked to cook, some were good at doing extra things to keep the house tidy, but all were attentive to my FIL’s needs. They kept him safe and got him moving again after his falls. Jonathan and his staff were always easy to contact and responsive to our Changing needs. As my fil recovered each time, tHey willingly CHANGED the Hours of care. I would not hesitate to call jonathAn again if we needed him."

JAN P. BRADENTON, FL

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"I am so pleased with Home Helpers as my senior care provider. All of the caregivers are so compassionate, helpful, and pleasant. They work with my schedule and are always willing to help with anything that I need. They really do care. Thank you, Home Helpers!"

JAN BRADENTON, FL

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"I am very pleased with the services. All of the caregivers are very pleasant. They are very compassionate and concerned about me. They are always willing to assist me with anything that I need. They really do care."

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