How can I afford a Care Advisor?

Anyone can afford an Assisted Living Locator Care Advisor. That’s because we are paid only when we help you make a decision about your senior’s living location and we are paid by the location you choose. And because we only receive payment when you’re paying the Care Community directly, we’ll also put you in touch with your state’s social service network to make sure that you receive the proper state support in the event that you are unable to pay for senior care and housing yourself.

What can a Care Advisor help me with?

An Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor specializes in knowing your senior housing and in home care options, but via their referral network they can connect you with state resources in the event that you need to consider state resources to finance and secure senior housing, as well as a wide variety of specialists who focus on some aspect of the senior services industry- Eldercare Attorneys, Financial Specialists, Real Estate Agents, Downsizing Specialists, Home Health Experts, and just about any other senior service need you can think of.

Who is my Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor?

Glad you asked. This site gives you a number of ways to find your local Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor. Pick one and we’ll either get them on the phone, or make sure that they contact you in a timely fashion. Click here to get to our Care Advisor page.

How are Care Advisors trained?

Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors are vetted for the right set of skills before they ever even buy a franchise. Once they do, we provide comprehensive initial training and a 13 week “in community” onboarding process. We ask all Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors to become Certified Senior Advisors, a nationwide accreditation program that provides additional industry specific knowledge. Care Advisors also participate in continuing education provided by us and provided by local senior oriented industry associations to ensure that they understand the latest tools, techniques and industry rules and regulations to help you navigate the senior experience.

What does a Care Advisor do?

An Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor spends time at each of the communities and homes in your local area. They understand how well the community is performing against state standards and they understand what the community is good at- in short, they understand what isn’t in the community’s glossy brochure. An Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor networks to ensure that they have a broad array of qualified resource team members that they can call on to help deal with challenges beyond senior housing and care, which is their own area of expertise. And Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors spend time with families and seniors. They can’t help if they don’t know and understand you and your family. Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisors have a structured way to identify important needs that you and your senior have, which they then use to match you to the best community choices or the best members of their resource network that can meet your needs.

Who is Assisted Living Locators®?

A franchise business based in Arizona, with local owners and operators across the US. Our Care Advisors bring problem solving skills and compassion to your local senior community, and we supply the training, processes and industry knowledge they need to provide you with the help you want.

Where are your Care Advisors located?

Everywhere. If we don’t have a Care Advisor yet in your local area, we’ll find you an affiliate advisor who can help. But every month we train more Care Advisors to meet the growing needs of seniors in every community across the US. You can find your local Care Advisor by using the tools on this website. And because we are nationwide, we can help you in your town or in towns all across the US.

When should I contact an Assisted Living Locators® Care Advisor?

Since Care Advisors understand the entire range of living options available to seniors, any family with a senior over 55 can benefit from their expertise. Use us to understand your independent living options if your senior wants more time for leisure pursuits after 55. Use us especially when you are concerned about the safety or health of your senior loved one. And it’s critically important that you reach out to us if your senior is in the hospital or rehabilitation facility so that we help you navigate the immediate next health care and housing steps that must be taken, giving you a voice in how the health care and insurance systems in your state manage your senior’s needs.

Preparing for the Unexpected: Emergency Planning for Seniors

By Carla

Published July 22, 2024

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The importance of emergency preparedness cannot be overstated. Seniors face unique challenges during emergencies, from mobility issues to health complexities, making comprehensive planning essential.

At the forefront of this effort are family caregivers, who play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of their elderly loved ones. By crafting personalized emergency plans tailored to individual needs, ensuring accessibility to essential supplies, establishing clear communication channels, and conducting regular drills, caregivers not only enhance readiness but also provide reassurance during uncertain times.

Their proactive approach not only safeguards seniors but also strengthens their resilience in the face of adversity.

Understanding the Risks

Identifying Common Emergencies

It’s crucial to be well-informed about the various emergencies that can affect your region. Common occurrences such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, power outages, and wildfires pose significant challenges to senior care.

Each type of emergency requires careful planning and preparation: from ensuring access to essential medical supplies during power outages to understanding evacuation procedures for floods or wildfires. Staying updated on local emergency protocols and seasonal risks like tornadoes or severe storms is essential.

Collaborating with local authorities and community networks also helps in accessing relevant support and tailored information to safeguard seniors during emergencies.

Vulnerabilities of Seniors

Seniors are particularly vulnerable during emergencies due to factors such as limited mobility, chronic health conditions, and dependency on medications and medical equipment. According to recent statistics, seniors are disproportionately affected by disasters, highlighting the critical need for caregivers to proactively prepare and protect their loved ones.

Creating a Personalized Emergency Plan

Ensuring the safety and well-being of our elderly loved ones includes developing a personalized emergency plan that addresses their unique needs and circumstances. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating an effective emergency plan tailored specifically for seniors:

Needs Assessment: Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of the senior’s health concerns and specific needs. Consider factors such as mobility limitations, sensory impairments, medical conditions, and any medications that could affect their response during emergencies. This assessment forms the foundation for customizing the emergency plan to ensure it meets their individual requirements.
Important Contacts: Compile a comprehensive list of essential contacts. Include primary caregivers, family members, doctors, specialists, pharmacies, and local emergency services. Ensure this list is readily accessible and kept updated to facilitate quick communication and assistance during critical situations.
Evacuation Plan: Develop a clear and detailed evacuation plan tailored to the senior’s mobility and health issues. Identify primary and alternate escape routes from different areas of the home, taking into account obstacles or accessibility challenges. Practice the evacuation plan regularly with the senior and other caregivers to familiarize everyone with the procedures and to address any concerns or adjustments needed.

Emergency Kits for Seniors

Ensuring the safety and preparedness of elderly loved ones during emergencies requires a carefully curated emergency kit designed to meet their specific needs. Family caregivers play a crucial role in assembling these kits, starting with essential items tailored to the senior’s health and daily requirements. Include medications with clear instructions, vital documents like medical records and insurance information, and a list of emergency contacts. It’s also essential to pack basic first aid supplies, spare eyeglasses or hearing aids, personal hygiene items, non-perishable food, water, and any necessary dietary items. Regularly update the kit by checking medication expiration dates, replacing expired items, and adjusting contents according to seasonal changes or evolving health conditions. Store the kit in an easily accessible location known to both the senior and caregivers, ensuring its contents are well-organized and accessible during emergencies.

Family caregivers continue to play a pivotal role in maintaining and managing the emergency kit over time. Collaborate closely with the senior to ensure the kit reflects their preferences and current health needs. Assist in organizing medications, labeling items clearly, and maintaining a checklist of contents. Encourage the senior to familiarize themselves with the kit’s location and contents, promoting confidence and readiness in times of crisis. By proactively preparing and updating the emergency kit, caregivers enhance safety and resilience, providing peace of mind for both themselves and their elderly loved ones in unpredictable situations.

Communication Strategies

Effective communication is essential for family caregivers to ensure the safety and well-being of their elderly loved ones during emergencies. Here’s a guide from the caregiver’s perspective on establishing reliable communication strategies:

Importance of Communication

Effective communication before, during, and after an emergency is critical for coordinating responses and providing timely assistance. Before an emergency occurs, discuss and establish communication plans with the senior and other family members. Ensure everyone understands their roles and knows how to reach each other in case of an emergency. During an emergency, clear communication helps assess the situation, coordinate evacuations if necessary, and provide updates on safety and well-being. After an emergency, ongoing communication is vital for recovery efforts and addressing any immediate or long-term needs.

Setting Up Communication Methods

Utilize reliable communication methods and backups to stay connected. Cell phones are essential for direct communication, so ensure they are fully charged and have emergency contacts programmed. Consider alternative communication methods such as landlines, two-way radios, or emergency alert systems that do not rely solely on cellular networks, which may be unreliable during emergencies. Familiarize seniors with using these devices and ensure they are easily accessible in case of power outages or other disruptions.

Regular Check-Ins

Plan for regular check-ins during emergencies to monitor the senior’s safety and well-being. Agree on a schedule for family members or caregivers to provide updates and receive information about the senior’s status. This ensures that any changes or developments in the emergency situation are communicated promptly and appropriate actions can be taken as needed.

Home Safety and Accessibility

Creating a safe and accessible home environment is crucial for ensuring the well-being and comfort of elderly loved ones. Here’s a practical guide from the perspective of family caregivers on enhancing home safety:

Enhancing Home Safety

Recommend practical ways to improve home safety and accessibility. Install grab bars in bathrooms and along hallways to assist with mobility. Consider installing ramps or lifts to facilitate easy movement between different levels of the home. Replace slippery flooring with non-slip surfaces, especially in areas prone to moisture such as bathrooms and kitchens. Ensure adequate lighting throughout the home to minimize tripping hazards, and organize furniture to create clear pathways for mobility aids.

Installing Safety Features

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), adults aged 65 and older are twice as likely to die in home fires compared to younger adults. This statistic highlights the importance of prioritizing fire safety measures in seniors’ homes.

Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in key areas of the home and test them regularly. An estimated 2.6 million carbon monoxide poisoning cases occur in the U.S. annually, underlining the lifesaving potential of these alarms. Consider a monitored home security system that includes emergency alerts to notify caregivers and authorities in case of intrusions or emergencies.

Ensure that emergency exits are clearly marked and easily accessible, especially for seniors with mobility limitations. Consider adding a home automation system that allows remote monitoring and control of safety devices, providing peace of mind for caregivers who may not be physically present.

Preparing for the Unexpected: Emergency Planning for Seniors