Almost everyone has a first aid kit somewhere in their home. Whether it’s from 20 years ago or a newer one that you keep updated, there are things you know you should always have at your disposal. But, as the world quickly changes around us, you might have started to think about the importance of having an emergency kit for your aging loved one, especially if they live alone.
What to Include in an Emergency Kit for You Loved One
The most important thing to include in an emergency kit is first aid supplies. When it comes to creating an emergency kit for your loved one, it’s also important to include all of their health insurance information, medical contacts and a list of medications that are all easily accessible.
Other emergency kit items to include are:
- Antiseptic solution or wipes, such as hydrogen peroxide, povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine
- Antibiotic ointment
- Calamine lotion for stings or poison ivy
- Hydrocortisone cream or ointment
- Cotton balls and swabs
- Band-Aids in assorted sizes including knee and elbow sizes
- Latex gloves
- Hand sanitizer or soap
- Tweezers, scissors and safety pins
- Pain and fever medicines, such as Aspirin
- Decongestants
- Anti-nausea medicine
- Anti-diarrhea medicine
- Antacids
- Laxatives
- First aid manual
However, having an emergency kit at-the-ready is only the first step. To ensure your loved one is ready for any type of emergency, you will also want to create an emergency kit with household essentials that are stored safely in the event that you can’t get to your loved one easily or they are homebound for any period of time.
While it’s nearly impossible to plan for every disaster, you and your loved one will feel a little more confident and comfortable knowing that you are prepared for a variety of scenarios that might be thrown your way.
We recommend including the following items in your household emergency kit:
- Toilet paper
- Paper towels
- Water
- Canned food
- Cash
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Disinfectant sprays, sanitizer and disinfectant wipes
- Paper masks and latex gloves
Unfortunately, seniors tend to be more vulnerable when it comes to disasters. It is critical to have a plan in place and to be prepared for when emergencies do happen. Along with the above-mentioned supplies, we also recommend you have an emergency communications plan that involves a group text message or calling chain to ensure all relatives are safe in the event of an emergency. Always keep up-to-date contact information clearly visible and ensure that you and your loved one take every precaution to make an emergency situation go as smoothly as possible.
Find a Community of Support at Peregrine Senior Living
As your loved one ages, they may find themselves needing more assistance with the tasks associated with daily living. If living on their own becomes too cumbersome, we encourage you to contact Peregrine Senior Living.
Our supportive communities are designed to help residents find the right level of care, support and companionship they need to truly enjoy their retirement. Learn moreabout what our senior living community has to offer and consider scheduling a tour.
