Questions to Ask an Assisted Living Community About Emergency Preparedness

1

• Questions to Ask an Assisted Living Community
  About Emergency Preparedness
• Natural disasters and other such incidents are
  typically unpredictable. Its always prudent to
  be prepared all the time so that in case
  emergency strikes, you will have the means to
  keep yourself safe. Emergency preparedness is
  critical especially in San Antonio assisted
  living facilities. You need to make sure that
  your aging loved one is not only in a safe and
  caring environment but is also in a
  well-equipped facility with responsible staff
  members that know what to do should something
  happen. Here are questions to ask the assisted
  living community to understand how they will
  care for your loved one in case of an emergency
• Questions regarding plans during a general
  emergency Does the facility have an emergency
  evacuation plan and a back-up shelter? Certain
  plans will differ according to the incident,
  such as terrorist attacks, tornadoes, and
  hurricanes. Find out how the San Antonio assisted
  living facilities have coordinated with
  community resources, as well as with the state,
  county, and city emergency management.
• Questions to ask regarding the staff It is not
  enough that caregivers in San Antonio assisted
  living facilities are fully trained and certified
  in their jobs. They need to be trained to be
  effective during emergency evacuations and
  situations, too. Make sure that they have
  evacuation drills, which must be practiced with
  the residents. Find out if there are enough
  people who can implement the emergency plan
  through all shifts, too. For instance, if a fire
  occurs in the middle of the night, will the night
  shift staff be able to handle it?
• Discover the on-site resources Do they have an
  emergency backup power system, like generators?
  How long can those systems provide power, and
  which aspects of the facility will still have
  power? Moreover, make sure that the assisted
  living facility has extra supplies of medications
  and equipment. Ideally, there should be at least
  a two-week supply of medicines for every
  resident. There should be first-aid and emergency
  kits in every room, too.
• Find out how they will let you know How will
  the San Antonio assisted living facilities staff
  communicate the emergency plan with the
  residents, and how do they intend to let you
  know of your loved ones whereabouts and status?
  Make sure they can provide clear contact details.
  Be clear on their policy regarding your right to
  evacuate your loved one from their facility.