As hurricane season approaches, families with loved ones in nursing homes face unique concerns. The elderly are particularly vulnerable during natural disasters, and when a hurricane strikes, nursing home residents rely heavily on the preparedness and resources of the facility. Ensuring your loved one is safe during such an event requires proactive steps, clear communication, and an understanding of the facility’s emergency protocols. Below is a comprehensive guide on ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved ones in nursing homes during hurricane season.

1. Understand the Nursing Home’s Emergency Plan

A well-prepared nursing home will have an emergency response plan tailored to the specific risks posed by hurricanes. Ask the facility to explain their plan in detail, paying attention to the following key areas:

• Evacuation Procedures: Know the evacuation routes the nursing home plans to use, the timing of evacuation decisions, and how transportation will be managed. Some facilities may arrange buses or ambulances, while others may rely on local emergency services. Verify that your loved one’s needs will be addressed during evacuation.
• Shelter-in-Place Plans: In cases where evacuation is deemed unsafe or unnecessary, the facility may shelter in place. If this is the case, inquire about how the nursing home ensures sufficient food, water, and medical supplies and how it will maintain a safe and comfortable environment for residents during the storm. Look into whether the facility has reinforced structures, secure rooms, or designated areas for residents to stay during the worst weather.
• Staffing During Emergencies: Ask about staff levels during emergencies. Confirm whether additional personnel will be on duty during a hurricane and how they plan to ensure adequate care and attention for all residents, especially those with higher care needs.
• Communication Plans: Clear and consistent communication is essential. Ensure the facility has a plan to keep family members informed before, during, and after the storm. This could involve phone calls, emails, or automated messaging systems. Ensure the facility has your correct contact information and confirm how often updates will be sent out, significantly if power or phone lines are disrupted.

2. Assess the Facility’s Preparedness for Medical Needs

Your loved one’s medical needs don’t disappear during a hurricane, and nursing homes should be prepared to manage those needs even under challenging conditions. This is particularly critical for residents who have chronic conditions or rely on life-sustaining equipment. Ensure the facility is equipped to handle medical emergencies that may arise due to the hurricane, including power outages or supply chain disruptions.

• Stockpiling Medications: Ask if the facility has plans to stock extra doses of medications, especially for residents who require daily or life-sustaining prescriptions. Inquire about how medications will be stored during power outages and whether enough supply will last beyond a few days.
• Backup Power for Medical Equipment: The facility must have reliable backup generators for residents who rely on oxygen tanks, ventilators, or other electrically powered medical devices. Ask whether the generators are tested regularly and if the nursing home has a plan for residents requiring additional power sources during an outage.
• Access to Medical Professionals: Some nursing homes partner with local hospitals or medical providers during emergencies. Verify that the nursing home has arrangements with nearby healthcare facilities and can transport residents needing emergency care. Additionally, check if on-site medical professionals will be available during and after the storm.

3. Ensure Adequate Supplies Are in Place

Nursing homes can become isolated during a hurricane due to flooding, downed trees, or road closures. Having sufficient supplies on hand is essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. You should confirm that the facility has a stockpile of basic supplies that will last several days, if not longer if assistance from outside cannot immediately reach them.

• Food and Water: The facility should have enough non-perishable food and bottled water to sustain all residents and staff for an extended period. Ask how long they expect these supplies to last and whether they have arrangements to replenish stocks if necessary.
• Personal Hygiene and Care Products: Ensure the nursing home has a reserve of personal care items such as adult diapers, hygiene products, and basic toiletries. During emergencies, these supplies can run out quickly, so it’s essential that the facility is well-stocked.
• Emergency Equipment: The facility should be equipped with first aid kits, flashlights, batteries, and other emergency equipment. Inquire about their access to backup power sources and whether the staff is trained in emergency response procedures, such as administering first aid or assisting residents during power outages.

4. Have Important Documents and Contacts Ready

Being prepared also means having all essential documentation ready and accessible. These documents will be crucial if your loved one needs to be relocated, a medical emergency or legal issues arise during the storm.

• Medical and Legal Records: Ensure that both you and the nursing home have up-to-date copies of your loved one’s medical records, prescription lists, and any advance directives, such as powers of attorney or living wills. These documents should be stored securely and efficiently accessible in an emergency.
• Contact Information: Provide the facility with a list of all relevant family members’ contact details, including phone numbers and emails. Make sure there is a clear communication plan, and that staff knows who to contact in case of an emergency. Additionally, list the facility’s primary contacts, including key staff members, emergency contacts, and local emergency services.

5. Monitor Weather Alerts and Stay Informed

Staying informed about the weather and emergency warnings is critical during hurricane season. Familiarize yourself with local emergency management systems in your loved one’s area and stay updated on weather forecasts. The National Weather Service (NWS) and local authorities often issue timely warnings, allowing you to take necessary actions to prepare or relocate your loved one.

• Emergency Alerts: Sign up for weather alerts from reliable sources such as NWS, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), or local news channels. Monitoring these alerts will allow you to stay ahead of any potential dangers and provide an opportunity to act quickly if necessary.
• Check In Regularly: During hurricane season, consider checking in with the nursing home more frequently to ensure they are ready to respond to any approaching storm. If a hurricane is predicted, call to verify that all preparations are in place and that your loved one is safe.

6. Plan for Alternative Housing If Necessary

While nursing homes have emergency plans, you should also have your own contingency plan. Depending on the storm’s severity, there may be instances where you feel it’s safer to evacuate your loved one to a relative’s home or another facility.

• Alternative Locations: Research safe locations where your loved one could stay if the nursing home’s plan doesn’t meet your expectations or if you feel an evacuation is necessary. Make sure the location is equipped to handle their medical and personal needs, whether it’s a family home or another care facility.
• Transportation Arrangements: If you decide to relocate your loved one, plan how they will be transported. Some families arrange private transportation in case public services are overwhelmed or unavailable. Coordinate with the nursing home to understand how quickly they can assist in evacuation.

Prioritizing Safety for Your Loved Ones

Hurricanes are unpredictable, and nursing homes face significant challenges when dealing with these natural disasters. However, by being proactive, staying informed, and asking the right questions, you can ensure your loved one remains safe during hurricane season. From understanding the facility’s emergency plan to ensuring medical needs are accounted for, taking the time to prepare can make a huge difference. Communication with the nursing home, monitoring weather alerts, and having your contingency plans in place are all key to ensuring your family member’s safety during this critical time.

Questions About a Potential Lawsuit Against a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility?

Michael Hill is a nationally recognized attorney who handles exclusively cases against long term care facilities. Michael and his firm, Michael Hill Trial Law, are headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio but handle cases across the country.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only. Nothing in this article should be construed as providing legal advice or the creation of an attorney client relationship. Laws are updated frequently and change from state to state. If you desire legal advice, you can contact Michael Hill Trial Law at www.protectseniors.com, send an email to info@protectseniors.com, call (800) 659-2712 to begin an investigation, or contact another attorney.