Learn more about CFSS in Minnesota
A week after the snow stopped falling, the majority of the east coast is still digging out from one of the largest blizzards in U.S. history. The record-breaking storm dropped as much as three feet of snow in areas throughout the Mid-Atlantic States and left hundreds of thousands of people without power for days. Blizzards like this can leave a winter wonderland in their wake but can also pose a very real danger for home care patients and PCAs that traveling through the deadly conditions.
We’ve been fortunate this winter to not have any major storms hit the Twin Cities area. However, we all know the headaches a major winter storm can cause and the importance of planning ahead. Having a plan for winter storms is especially for individuals that depend on daily in home supportive services. Here are some ways personal care assistants and family caregivers can help their patients prepare for a winter storm:
Create a List of Nearby Contacts: Collect and list out the phone numbers and email addresses of the patient’s neighbors and place it on the refrigerator or another easy to see location. Ask neighbors if they would be willing to shovel the patient’s driveway and walkway after a storm.
Stock up on Essentials: Travel may be limited or impossible after a major storm. Make sure the home care patient’s cupboards are stocked with non-perishable, easy to prepare foods and bottled water as well.
Check in Often: Call the patient before, during, and after the storm has passed to ensure they are doing okay. Check to ensure their furnace is working properly, if they have enough food, and remind them not to go outside.
One of the most important responsibilities of a home care professional is ensuring the safety and health of their patients. While it isn’t likely we’ll see a major blizzard this season, it’s important to be prepared and have a home care plan ready in the event that one does hit.
As a Minneapolis home health care agency, Best Home Care has experienced the best and worst of Minnesota weather. Get in touch with us to learn more about keeping senior home care patients safe this winter and find valuable caregiver resources on our website.
