Dementia Caregivers Preparing for Special Needs Shelters
The 2025 hurricane season is here. The Atlantic hurricane season is predicted to have 13 or more named storms. It is time to get things in order.
The Florida Health Department has effectively prepared its staff to support individuals with dementia during emergencies. The experiences from last year’s Hurricanes Helene and Milton have reinforced this effort. I feel immensely thankful for the opportunity to educate and train these professionals in dementia care and awareness, having collaborated with Pinellas County for the past two months.
If you find yourself caring for loved ones with dementia during a natural disaster, you will probably encounter two difficult scenarios: the external threat of storms, fires, floods, and power outages, and the internal turmoil within your loved one’s mind due to overwhelming confusion. In such situations, quick thinking may not be possible, so it’s essential to plan ahead.
In these circumstances, you can’t depend on others for assistance because they’ll probably be busy with their own preparations.
When a hurricane is approaching, your loved ones are likely to feel scared and might not be willing to cooperate. Continuous news reports about strong winds and the coming storm surge will heighten their anxiety, as well as the caregiver’s stress. Deciding to evacuate can be particularly challenging for individuals with memory issues. Altering their routine, let alone their environment, can be extremely unsettling. As I said earlier, it’s best to plan ahead. Research, where it is you, may need to go. If you have a nearby friend or relative who is willing to open their home to you, try to get there early enough so that the one with dementia can be settled into their new environment gradually. Be sure to prepare a checklist for a substitute caregiver listing your loved one’s daily habits and anything that may help to soothe them. Always use redirection as a tool to keep them calm. Here are some items I highly recommend packing as you plan to evacuate.
• MP3 player with headphones, downloaded with their favorite song list.
• Photo album for reminiscing. This takes his or her mind back to a comfortable and familiar time in life.
• Crafts, knitting, or anything they love. Playing cards are always good. This is something to keep their hands busy.
• Snacks, redirection through taste, is always a great tool.
• Familiar items, maybe their own blanket.
Please remember you will be limited in how much you can bring. Make it count.
Think about pets too. It’s important to create a plan for them as well. My dad adored our cat and often seemed to prioritize the cat’s well-being over his own while dealing with dementia. Reassure the person you’re caring for that their pets will be well taken care of. Check the regulations your local shelter has for pets, as they can differ between counties. If you have a service dog, it will be allowed in the shelter, but ensure you have the necessary documentation. However, your emotional support ostrich won’t be allowed. Take a picture with your pet before the storm; if you become separated, this could help reunite you.
Keep a composed attitude at all times. Offer reassurance and engage in soothing conversations with them whenever you can. Regularly remind them of your presence and your willingness to help with any needs they might have. Exercise patience, as you will likely need to repeat yourself multiple times during this challenging period. Avoid becoming agitated. The more composed you remain, the less anxious they will feel.
When it comes to planning in advance, your local Chamber of Commerce and County Health Department can provide all the necessary information if you need to find a special needs shelter. These shelters are preferable to other options. It’s important to research and locate one that fits your requirements. Ensure you “pre-register” by filling out the form available online—just Google, your county along with “special needs shelters.” Many counties offer transportation services for those who are registered.
Remember, individuals with dementia struggle in noisy, crowded environments. Such settings can be particularly challenging for them. This is why I strongly advocate for music therapy. Using a device with headphones is perfect in these situations. As mentioned before, a friend or relative’s home provides a calmer setting, if that option is available.
Even those who are typically calm, taking refuge in a public shelter during the storm, will be on edge, anxious about whether their homes will remain intact when they return. The tension in that place will reach its peak, and their worried family members will undoubtedly feel it too.
Unfortunately, you must also have a plan ready, as there’s a significant possibility that you might not be able to return home for some time due to damage or power outages.
We have put together a checklist to use for special needs shelters. Go to dementiaspotlightfoundation.org/dementia-care-resources to download this document.
Today is the perfect day to start your storm preparedness and evacuation plan. Don’t procrastinate. Do your research and stay safe.
Gary Joseph LeBlanc, Director of Education
