Day to day, planning for the elderly you care for

Day to day. As each day passes before you know it a whole year has gone by. I think I get things back on track and on a schedule and then something BIG happens and the things I want to do for "me" do get pushed to the side.

I have daily lists of things to post and a whole notebook of great ideas. I just need to fine a few minutes to be able to sit down and post here on the blog.

Being a full time caregiver of and elderly person who needs you all the time, taking time to post on a blog gets pushed to the back burner since I still have to care for my family, cook, clean and all that great wonderful stuff we all do every day.

So on that note....

 Getting a small kit for the Grandma, or Grandpa together if you care for them is a huge deal.

A few things I have had to "add" to Grandma's kit. You may have to add things every six months as things change quickly for elderly people!

One week of Medicine and Prescriptions!
Diapers, Chuck pads, and wipes, extra towels
Puzzle books, book to read, pencils, and pencil sharpener.
Extra glasses
Extra clothes, being that she has accidents more often than not, extra clothes and wash clothes are needed!
Things to help her feel comfortable, photos, blanket, sweater, stuff animal, etc.
List of all medications, doctors names and numbers.

Medical history written down and copies of the ID and such. Important paperwork!
Bottle of water "just for her".
Snacks for her.
Ask them what they may want or have them help put the kit, bag, etc together. 



We have a safe zone in our house for when we get tornado warnings. In an extra drawer in the room I have placed all her "items". I also have a bag packed for her in case we have to leave the house for any emergency.

Know that older people and the elderly can not move that fast, especially if they have a disability.  You may have to talk to them many times about the emergency plans, what to do and such. They may not understand the reason why you are making them move and go in to a certain room. They may not understand the danger you maybe in! Try to stay calm and explain again and again. Give them something to do and sit and talk to them.

You can not pick them up and move them like a small child. You have to give them as much warning as possible. When we get a tornado watch. I tell her that we have a Tornado watch and tell what is going on and if I tell her to get to the bathroom, which is right across the hall of her, she needs to move now. Not after a show, or commercial, not after I read this page in the book. When I say now, I mean now! After a while they "may" get it and then depending on the conditions of each person they may not.


If you have a plan and the items in place you will be more prepared and ready to handle the emergency that may come along. So you can be calm and can think with a straight head and not be running around trying to figure out what to do!

Each family is different, each person is different. You kit may need other things or things I have listed you do not need. Make your own list, make your own kit for your needs and the needs of those you care for!

Here is a blog post I thought covered things well.
 http://momwithaprep.com/emergency-preparedness-for-elders/

Sanitation Kit: Hygiene

Well we all have to go to the Bathroom! What if the water is cut off, and you can not use your toilet?

This is why we all need to a sanitation plan in place. Your sanitation kit should be put together and place near your 72 hour kit. You know someone will have to go soon or later! With out proper sanitation diseases can spread and can even cause death.

Place the following into two 5 gallon buckets with tight fitting lids.
Toilet paper
Infant supplies (if needed) Adult Supplies (if needed)
Medium Heavy duty trash bags for lining the buckets at least 13 gallon size
Large heavy duty trash bags for sealing up waste 33 gallon size
bar soap, dish soap, laundry soap
Bottle of bleach
Hand towelettes
Baby wipes
Towel per person, wash cloth person ( if not already included in personal packs)
Tooth paste, toothbrush, mouth wash, Shampoo( if not already included in personal packs)
Medium sized Zipper type baggies for misc uses
Scrub brush, dish cloth, roll of paper towels
1-2 wash pans or wash basins
Rope to tie up for a clothes line
Disposable gloves
Hand sanitizer
Lotion
Hydrogen peroxide
Vinegar
Baking Soda
2-3 Empty spray bottles for peroxide, vinegar, bleach
Borax
super sorb, or chemical toilet type powders to add to bucket
small shovel (if not already included in your 72 hour kit)
face masks
Optional: snap on lid seat for 5 gallon bucket available online, and at outdoor supply stores.

May want to have 2 buckets one for solid waste and one for fluid waste.

Check with your local health dept for their plans regarding waste disposal before a disaster. They will give you guide lines as what to do with your waste. Each city is different, each county is different, each state is different. It all depends on where you live and the resources around you.

Hurricane WARNING

DURING A HURRICANE WARNING

What is a Hurricane Warning?

A Hurricane Warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center where sustained winds of 74 mph (64 knots) or higher are expected within a specified area within 24 hours or less. All precautions must be completed immediately.

If You Live in a Mobile Home

Check tie-downs, turn off utilities and leave immediately for a safer place. Mobile homes are unsafe in hurricanes, tornadoes or severe thunderstorms. Can you imagine what hurricane-force winds would do to your mobile home?

Prepare for High Winds

Brace your garage door. Lower antennas. Be prepared to make repairs. Awnings, garbage cans, grills, lawn furniture, loose garden tools, toys and all other loose objects can be deadly missiles. Anchor securely or bring indoors. Securely board up or shutter large windows. Draw drapes across windows and doors to protect against flying glass.

Move Boats on Trailers Close to House

Fill boats with water to weigh them down. Lash securely to trailer and use tie-downs to anchor trailer to the ground or house. Check mooring lines of boats that must remain in water, then leave them. Accomplish this ahead of the hurricane watch to save time. 

Store Valuables and Personal Papers

Put important documents (birth certificates, heirlooms, personal inventory lists, pictures, titles, wills, etc.) in waterproof containers and store them in the highest possible location protected from potential flooding. If you evacuate, be sure to take them with you. You should have secured most of your valuables and important papers in a safety deposit box, during the family planning process.

Prepare for Storm Surge, Tornadoes & Flooding

Storm surges, tornadoes and floods are killers associated with a hurricane. In a Tornado Warning, seek inside shelter below ground level if possible. Otherwise, go to the inner-most small room away from outside walls, doors and windows on the lowest level of your structure. If you are outside, seek cover in ditch or other low spot. Do not attempt to outrun a tornado!

Mobile homes and portable buildings are extremely unsafe, during a tornado! The surge of the ocean water plus flash flooding of streams and rivers due to torrential rains cause 90% of the deaths associated with hurricanes. If you anticipate that your family will be at risk, evacuate early before the hurricane watch is issued! Complete evacuation well before the arrival of tropical force winds.

Test your generators. Make sure it is well has good ventilation  and You may want to think about chaining it up or securing it up! 

Bring pets indoors! 

Stay indoors! 

Of course you have have to decide what to do for yourself and your family. Only you are in charge of you and your family. 

Hurricane WATCH

What to do for a Hurricane WATCH.

A Hurricane Watch is issued by the National Hurricane Center to ALERT specific regions or states that hurricane conditions pose a threat to a specified area within 36-48 hours. Monitor storm reports on radio and television closely. Implement your family plan. If evacuation has not already been recommended, consider leaving the area early to avoid long hours along congested and limited evacuation routes.

Here is a list of things to do when there is a Hurricane Watch issued for your area.

 1. Fill up your car with gas.

2. Secure buildings. Have Materials for protecting windows and doors. Have shutters or lumber ready to protect large windows and doors. Be sure to include the needed hardware and tools to securely cover windows and doors. 

3. Review evacuation plan.

4. Listen to a radio or television for official instructions.

5. Check your family's emergency supplies.

6. Bring in outdoor objects (i.e. toys, garden tools).

7. Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings.

8. Secure outdoor objects which cannot be brought inside (i.e. boats, lawnmower).

9. Store drinking water in clean bathtubs, jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils

10. Have non perishable food, that you can prepared with out cooking and need no refrigeration. 

11. Make ice in your freezer for coolers. You will need a lot of ice and there will be little to no ice available to buy right before or especially right after a hurricane! 

12. Start prepping food to eat for the Hurricane. If you staying plan on pre cooking food before the storm hit. If you are evacuating, pre make food to take with you. As always take precautions for food safety and food borne illness. Keep things cold enough in coolers! Lots of ice! 

As always these are suggestions. You need to make your own choices and make your own plan. You need to decide what to do for yourself and your own family. No one can tell you how to prepare. You choose to do what is best for you! 

Hurricane to do list long before the Storm comes

There are many to do lists, and many things that people need to do before any emergency. Since Hurricane season is upon us, I wanted to touch base on a few things I have seen, learned and I do each year.

I would want to encourage everyone in a Hurricane area to go through and update there kits and plans. Now if you do not have a plan or kit, this is the time to make them.

So are a few to do lists:
1. Learn what to do before, During and After a Hurricane. Go to your cities, towns websites, Emergency management websites. Most Places that have hurricanes will put out booklets, pamphlets, etc. Also look at FEMA, RED CROSS, READY.GOV, and other for tips, ideas and checklists.  
2. Discuss with your family's Hurricane plan.
3. Go through, gather or assemble your family's Disaster kits. There are all kinds of check lists out there, but know that you will be with out power for days even weeks, depending on the strength of the storm.
4. Identify your out of state or out of area contact. TELL them they are your contact. Then be sure to tell other family members, friends, etc that they are your contact. Be sure everyone has the name, address and phone number of the contact person. (the reason is everyone can contact this person and update others, You only have to make one call, send one text to the contact). Also on this topic if all family is connected through a social media outlet, ie twitter, facebook, then everyone can know at the same time that you are ok and such.
5. You also need to have for those that need to a plan for those that are elderly, have disabilities, or have special needs. For example if you have someone in your family who needs oxygen to breath, know how long your battery back up is. Plan on if this person needs to be moved to a safer location for power. Plan ahead!
6. Pets. All your pets need to have a plan too. If you are going to a shelter, you can not take your pet. You need to know what to do with spot and fluffy. If you are evacuating you need a kit for them, and all there supplies.
7. You need to know a main evacuation route and an alternative route, in case you are asked to leave. You will need maps! GPS may not work! Also try driving the routes before hand, so you know where to go, landmarks, and smaller highways, or roads. Become familiar with the area especially areas you do not drive on a regular basis.
8. Know how to turn off your utilities in case you need to Evacuate.
9. Know your children's school plans, work plans in case of Emergencies.
10. Take a First aid course, CPR. Update your families first aid kit!
11. Review your status of your automobile, flood, home owners or renters insurance coverages. List and photograph or videotape valuable property. Make hard copies and place in your document kit. Be sure add the phone numbers of all insurances and account numbers. Take this kit with you if you evacuate!
12.List and photograph or videotape valuable property. Write down serial numbers, description, etc. Make hard copies and place in your document kit. Take this kit with you! If you have special insurance an item, be sure to have all the information you need in order to make a claim!

Family Disaster Supplies Kit

Keep these supplies at home throughout the year in preparation for major emergencies or disasters. We recommend that you keep them in a separate "Family Disaster Supplies Kit" so they are easy to find when you need them. Identify a safe room for storage of the supply kit and where you can go if a hurricane hits. Don't forget to rotate and replace expired items throughout the year.

Family members should discuss and plan additional supplies that might be needed over an extended period of time. Be ready for the hurricane season. Some supplies will be required in the event you elect to stay in your home. Others may be required if you evacuate or relocate or go to a shelter. Plan supplies so they are clearly accessible and identifiable. After a hurricane watch is issued, there may be a high demand and short supply of many items.

• AM/FM radio (AC/DC battery operated)
• Baby food, diapers, formula and other supplies
• Backpack, duffel bag, portable cooler or other containers
• Bleach (without lemon or any other additives)
• Canned or packaged foods, milk and beverages (minimum 7-day non-perishable food supply for each family member)
• Can opener (non-electric)
• Changes of clothing, hard soled shoes and rain gear for each family member
• Eating utensils and supplies
• Emergency cooking facilities (camping equipment and supplies are great)
• Extra prescription medications, glasses or hearing aids (see your doctor)
• Fire extinguishers (checked and serviced annually)
• First aid kit (adequate capacity and type for the size of your family)
• Flashlights & extra batteries (size and type for flashlights, radios, etc.)
• Food and water for pets
• Important documents (driver's license, birth certificate, insurance documents, etc.)
• Lanterns and fuel (stored in safe container & location)
• Matches (stored in a safe and protective container)
• Mosquito repellant
• Non-perishable foods, milk and beverages (minimum 7-day supply for each family member)
• Plywood boards ¾" to board up windows (cut & fit ahead of time)
• Quiet games, toys, books and cards
• Sleeping bag and blankets for each family member
• Spare batteries for flashlights, radios, etc.
• Spare keys for home, vehicles, boats, etc.
• Toilet paper, soap, tooth brushes, tooth paste and other personal hygiene items
• Water (1 gallon per person per day for drinking purposes)
• Water purification procedures & tablets (check with your local health department)
• Weather alert radio (AC/DC battery operated)
• Other items preplanned by the family

FS Goal Setting and Making a Plan

When it comes to Food Storage most people do not know where to start, how to start or even do not know why to start. Food Storage is just a larger pantry and it can help you save money in the long run. Here is something I wrote in 2008 on this topic and a few more current ideas added in as well.

Goal setting and making a plan can be hard for some and really easy for others. Start by writing down what you want to do. For example you want to get through until pay day with out running to the store every few days. Make a list of everything you will need for 2 weeks. This not only includes food, but toilet paper, deodorant, shampoo, laundry soap, dog/cat food as examples. Make a general meal plan/menu. Right down what you need for breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks.

Know what your family uses in 2 weeks/or even a month for different items. Buy enough to get you through for 2 weeks for starters, then go out a month. I have learned over the years to go shopping once a month and what my family needs to get through that month. How much toilet paper does you family go through in a week? For my family it is a 24 pack for a month. Now that is as long as school is in and people are only
home for a few hours in the morning and evening. When it is vacation time (summer or winter break) we use 36-48 rolls a month.So take things like that in to consideration.

How much milk does your family go through in a day? My house it is about a gallon every two weeks. We are not big milk drinkers. So I only need to 2 gallons for a month. But we do go through a lot of cheese, a 2lb loaf a week very easily.

You can start to make a list, write things on the calendar, use your day planner if you have one. In my house if we write it on the calendar, it gets done. For starters to see how much milk you go through, write down on the calendar, or where ever Monday used 1 gallon up, Wednesday used 1 gallon, Friday used up 2 gallons. Well I think you get the picture. Add up what you use in a week. Easy math a gallon a day is 14 gallons in 2 weeks. A gallon every other day is 7 gallons. Of course it is hard to have 14 gallons of milk in the fridge at one time, but you can buy 3-4 gallons at a time. You can even mix dry milk and mix your regular milk to stretch it so you will have to go to the store less. (if you do this at night while no one is watching, they will never know!) You can also freeze milk, just pour some milk out in to a pitcher or another milk jug, put the lid back on, date and store in the freezer. You then can remove the milk the night before you need it and put it in the fridge. (again no one would know). These are some ideas to help you store some milk, so you would then have to go to the store less, just for milk.

The key is finding a way to get organized and find a way to make a plan on how much of what to buy.
All families are different and all families work differently. What works for me and my family may not work for yours.

Set your goals but do not go over board because you will become over whelmed and not  complete it. Start small, master that and work on from there. You can always learn from the small things and succeed at that and build on to more challenging and more harder things. One thing you do not want to do is say I want my 1 year storage this year but you have no idea where to start or have never really done food storage. It is a Great goal! But start smaller. I want one months worth of food storage. Even that for some is way over board. Then start even smaller. I want one weeks worth of food storage.

Start with your lists, see how much of what you use, then you will know how much you need to buy for one week, a month, to even a year. You do not have to buy it all at once, who really has the money to do that. Most people have to budget out money not only for regular food shopping, but food storage items too. Start small even one can of something extra is better than nothing at all. Set a goal and make a plan!

Right now with the cost of food and everything else going up, people being out of work, and budgets are tight. It is really important to know where every last penny is going. when you make a list and go shopping for groceries every two weeks, to even once a month; If you can to this, you will save money. how many times have you or a family member ran to the store for something and ended up buying other items? Did you forget the one item you went to the store for? A lot of people do. You can end up impulse buying, every time you enter the store. If you say well it is only a few dollars, all those dollars add up. Make a menu, make a list, make a plan, and save money. Good luck!

One way to get Food Supply in 1 year

A Complete Year’s Supply

purchased within one year

on Five Dollars a Week

( **Now as prices have gone up you may have to add it up to ten dollars; again this is only a suggestion**)

Week 1: 6 lbs. salt

Week 2: 5 cans cream of chicken soup

Week 3: 20 lbs. of sugar

Week 4: 8 cans tomato soup

Week 5: 50 lbs. wheat

Week 6: 6 lbs. macaroni

Week 7: 20 lbs. sugar

Week 8: 8 cans tuna

Week 9: 6 lbs. yeast

Week 10: 50 lbs. wheat

Week 11: 8 cans tomato soup

Week 12: 20 lbs. sugar

Week 13: 10 lbs. powdered milk

Week 14: 7 boxes macaroni and cheese

Week 15: 50 lbs. wheat

Week 16: 5 cans cream of chicken soup

Week 17: 1 bottle 500 multi-vitamins

Week 18: 10 lbs. powdered milk

Week 19: 5 cans cream mushroom soup

Week 20: 50 lbs. wheat

Week 21: 8 cans tomato soup

Week 22: 20 lbs. sugar

Week 23: 8 cans tuna

Week 24: 6 lbs. shortening

Week 25: 50 lbs. wheat

Week 26: 5 lbs. honey

Week 27: 10 lbs. powdered milk

Week 28: 20 lbs. sugar

Week 29: 5 lbs. peanut butter

Week 30: 50 lbs. wheat

Week 31: 7 boxes macaroni and cheese

Week 32: 10 lbs. powdered milk

Week 33: 1 bottle 500 aspirin

Week 34: 5 cans cream of chicken soup

Week 35: 50 lbs. wheat

Week 36: 7 boxes macaroni and cheese

Week 37: 6 lbs. salt

Week 38: 20 lbs. sugar

Week 39: 8 cans tomato soup

Week 40: 50 lbs. wheat

Week 41: 5 cans cream chicken soup

Week 42: 20 lbs. sugar

Week 43: 1 bottle 500 multi-vitamins

Week 44: 8 cans tuna

Week 45: 50 lbs. wheat

Week 46: 6 lbs. macaroni

Week 47: 20 lbs. sugar

Week 48: 5 cans cream mushroom soup

Week 49: 5 lbs. honey

Week 50: 20 lbs. sugar

Week 51: 8 cans tomato soup

Week 52: 50 lbs. wheat

Some weeks you will have leftover change. Save the change each week in a kitty to be used for the weeks you may exceed $5.00 (for example, as when purchasing wheat or milk).

You will end up with:

500 pounds of wheat

180 pounds of sugar

40 pounds of powdered milk

12 pounds of salt

10 pounds of honey

5 pounds peanut butter

45 cans of tomato soup

15 cans of cream of mushroom soup

15 cans of cream of chicken soup

24 cans of tuna

21 boxes of macaroni and cheese

500 aspirin

1000 multi-vitamins

6 pounds of yeast

6 pounds of shortening

12 pounds of macaroni

This should be enough to sustain two people for one year. For every two people in your family, add $5.00 (**$10.00**) more and double or triple the amount of the item you are buying for that week.

This list was given to me many years ago. I do not know who sent it to me or exactly where I got it. It is good info. Again the Money amounts will have changed with the new costs of things and such. It is a good list and you get the idea. Just add these items to your shopping list and put away.esp if you find things on the list that are on sale, then buy them then. Do not wait to get to week 25 to buy that item. Cross things off your list as you go. Make a plan, make a list, prepare yourself and your family.