Hospice Training Guide

SAFETY

Emergencies & Natural Disasters

Tornado Safety • In the event of a tornado move to the lowest level or basement of the home. • If there is no basement, move to an interior room or hallway that does not have windows. • If the patient is unable to leave their room or go to another level of the home, they should be moved to- wards an inner wall and covered up with blankets. • Close all blinds and drapes in the room to aide in reducing flying glass if the window(s) break.

Prepare yourself and your family for unexpected events such as weather emergencies, power outages, water outages, explosions, fires, sheltering-in, and natural disasters.

Power Outage • Contact your power company if you rely on an oxygen concentrator or any other electric medi- cal device at home. The power company can put you on a priority list to restore power. • For your safety, your oxygen equipment com- pany will give you backup oxygen tanks to use in case the power goes out. • Put together an emergency supply kit including: • Flashlights • Portable radio with batteries • Plastic bags (with self-locking zippers, such as Ziploc) for medicine and supplies • Canned food and bottled water • It is important to have an escape plan and prac- tice it. We can help you develop your plan. • A sheet can be used as a “sled” to pull someone across the floor if they cannot walk or get into a wheelchair. Inclement Weather: Snow/Ice • Encourage elderly or those with limited mobility to stay indoors. If they must go out, ensure they have proper clothing to stay warm and safe. • If snow or ice is possible, salt your loved one’s outdoor walkways and driveway. • If you have a generator, ensure that it has enough wattage to support essential needs, such as medical equipment, space heaters, and the refrig- erator, and ensure it has ample fuel. Never run a generator inside a home or garage. • Confirm that smoke and CO2 detectors are working and have fresh batteries. Some alternate heat sources can produce carbon monoxide and/ or be fire hazards. • Ensure vehicles are fully serviced and filled with gas. • Encourage your loved one to stay home if possi- ble. Help them reschedule appointments, get gro- ceries, pick up medications, etc., before inclement weather sets in. • Create an emergency preparedness kit.

General Guidelines for Emergencies • In case of fire or natural disasters, call 911 first, then Four Seasons: 866.466.9734. • Keep emergency phone numbers and phone numbers for power, water, and gas companies in a list by your phone. Your social worker can help you compile this list. • Locate First Aid kit and instructions. • Confirm fire extinguisher is in date. • Locate flashlight, batteries, candles, and match- es/lighters. • Have three days of food or water. • Place important papers in a safe, protected place. • Gather glasses, dentures, medicine, and clothes. • Have vehicle serviced and filled with gas. • Follow recommendations of local authorities. • Be prepared to leave quickly. Develop an evacu- ation plan for fire that includes how to evacuate those who need help to walk or are confined to bed. • Plan ahead in case of a situation or disaster that requires the patient to leave the home. • Develop a plan for where the patient may be moved and have a backup plan in place in case the primary plan is not an option when a need arises. • Decide specifically who will do what and be sure to communicate the plan to everyone involved. • If a crisis occurs, call 911. • Call Four Seasons to ask about possible emergen- cy respite for the patient. Fire Safety • There should be at least one functioning smoke detector for each level of your home. • Make sure all pathways are clear. NEVER BLOCK AN EXIT. • Fireplaces and space heaters should not be left unattended while in use. Water Outage • Call the water company. • Use bottled-water for drinking if available. • Restrict use of available water.

Fall Prevention

Avoiding injury is very important. Your Care Team will pay attention to particular things, such as medica- tions and weakness, and help you work on ways to try to prevent falls.

Things to Address to Reduce Risks of Falling Inside Your Home:

• Slippery floors, loose area or throw rugs • Dark or dim lighting that makes it difficult to see • Stairs without railings or loose carpeting on steps • Bathtubs, showers, and toilets without grab bars

• Clutter that can be hard to walk around and easy to trip over (for example, stacks of newspapers and magazines) • Hard to reach items in high locations (for example, the top shelf of a cabinet) • Electrical or phone cords

Things to Address to Reduce Risks of Falling Outside Your Home:

• Slippery sidewalks, walkways, and driveways from ice or snow • Wearing shoes or boots with little or no traction

• Entrances, walkways, and garages with poor lighting • Walkways that have become uneven with age (like those made of brick)

CALL YOUR CARE TEAM IF:

• The patient falls. • You are concerned about any increased risk of the patient falling. • You want more information about safely using patient care equipment, such as walkers, beds, bedside commodes, etc.

866.466.9734 • FourSeasonsCare.org

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