Caregiver Emergency Plans Joy Schmidt Dementia Crisis Specialist & Interim Dementia Care Specialist Dane County Human Services
Topics • Building your Circle of Support • Staying safe • Tools you can use : • File of Life • Emergency Responder Tool • Other tool • Important documents – keep them together • Power of Attorney for Health Care • Power of Attorney for Finances
Building Your Circle of Support • Family & Friends • Faith Communities Ask • Neighbors Senior Centers • • Advocacy Groups You • Volunteer Groups • Letter carriers Plan Share • Support groups on line • Government agencies
Handwashing For those with memory loss
• Establish a routine • Explain why – simply and gently • Break down the steps – one thing at a time • Help them maintain independence • Place sign or picture on bathroom mirror • Wash together before meals with a song • Use hand sanitizer or wipes if need be Hand Washing • Make it a fun activity – soak and provide a manicure with lotion • Ask them to wash the dishes – you can always re-wash them • Play music
Wearing Masks For those with dementia
• Establish a routine when putting on masks before going out • Wash your hands before assisting • Use pictures to explain • Keep it simple – “This will keep us from getting sick” Wearing • Make a mark on the mask to indicate which Masks side goes out • Place it in a paper bag after use to keep it clean between use – mark the front of the bag and always place it inside in the same way • Make it fun
Tools you Can Use File of Life First Responders Tool • Emergency contacts • Tool for those with dementia • Doctor information • General information • Medication • Can they be left alone • Medical issues • What comforts or soothes them • Allergies • What upsets them • Advanced Directives • Strategies that work
File of Life - https://www.folife.org/ Free Covi-19 Emergency Preparedness Form https://www.folife.org/wp- content/uploads/UPDATE_FOL_ COVID19.pdf Or call the ADRC 608-240-7400 to have one with refrigerator magnet mailed to you.
First Responders Tool • http://www.dane adrc.org/cg_reso urces.aspx
Complete Care Plan Form • https://www.cdc. gov/aging/caregi ving/pdf/Comple te-Care-Plan- Form-508.pdf
Advanced Directives • Types • Living Will • Power of Attorney for Health Care • Power of Attorney for Finances • Who should have a copy • Your doctor • The person you have appointed and other family members • Your attorney • Where to keep them – in a safe place • When can they be used – when they have been activated Dane County Transitions of Care Info about Advanced Directives • https://youtu.be/wb4DC2GMgmo
Caring for Yourself • On line or phone in support groups • Calls to friends and family • Many volunteer groups providing phone visits • On line Brain & Body Fitness • On line memory cafes • Get outdoors • Keep a routine • Exercise • Ask for help
Have a back up plan • Family • Friends • In home caregivers • Assisted Living options • Connect with a Dementia Care Specialist • Connect with your ADRC • Share your plan with your family and your doctor
Joy Schmidt Schmidt.joy@countyofdane.com 608-286-8183
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