Health Risks and Environmental Awareness

Question: I live in the Northeast and my aging parents live in the South. I was a nervous wreck this past summer when they were having such bad weather. What would I do if they needed immediate help?

Answer: The U.S. Administration on Aging encourages all families to spend some time during the holidays to map out a plan of response in the event of an emergency. Identify potential risk situations or emergencies that could occur in the home or community. This process should go beyond the actual structural integrity of the house—it should include outdoor elements such as trees that should be removed or trimmed, loose porch railings, or uneven and cracked walkways. Get a sense of the reliability and response by the town’s public services in the event of a fire, burglary, power outage, flood, or other natural disaster.

Determine the process that your parents can use to request help if a serious need arises. It’s important to know on whom you can rely and with whom your family member would prefer dealing. As you organize contacts, consider formal providers such as companion/homemaker agencies and informal supports (neighbors, friends, church parishioners).

Talk to your parents about their wishes and your concerns, keeping in mind that communication is important in every successful relationship. If an emergency plan is going to be effective, everyone has to be in agreement. As in many agreements, compromise may be a necessary step toward the larger goal.

Outline your plan in writing and share it with everyone involved. Be sure that each person is comfortable with their specific responsibilities. Identify a person to call if you are worried about the welfare of your parents. An example of how this would be useful is if a hurricane passes through your parents’ town and you are unable to reach them by phone. In this case, a pre-designated individual could be called to help establish communication with your parents.

Communicate with your parents on a regular basis. Stay aware of changes in your parents’ environment and, most importantly, their health. These changes may require alterations in the plan. Continual communication allows you to address minor issues before they escalate into major problems. It also is an opportunity to express confidence in the other people involved and express your appreciation for their willingness to assist your parents.

An emergency plan will help you have peace of mind as your parents live in a distant community.