Preparedness for Older Adults with Dementia

Disasters can be especially confusing and frightening for older adults with dementia. Disturbances in routines and surroundings caused by crisis situations can be extremely stressful, creating challenges for caregivers and threatening the safety of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It is crucial for caregivers of older adults with dementia to be prepared for emergencies, and to take the necessary precautions to ensure that your loved one is safe.

Put important documents, family contact information, and medical records on a labeled flash drive, and place it in the wallet of the person with dementia. If the individual is lost during an emergency, responders will be able to access important information to contact the caregiver and assist the person with dementia (Step 3 and Step 4).
If your loved one attends an adult day center or lives in a senior residential or care facility, make sure you are aware of the building's evacuation protocols.
Register the person with dementia in the Alzheimer's Association Safe Return program (see below).
Include additional items in your emergency supply kit that will keep the person with dementia occupied and help them feel secure, such as books, pictures, or soothing music (Step 5).

MedicAlert + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return

Register your loved one in the MedicAlert + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return program. This 24-hour support network provides assistance for older adults with dementia who have wandered and become lost. Visit the Alzheimer's Association website to learn more about Safe Return.

Evacuating an Older Adult with Dementia

Your loved one may be frightened and refuse to cooperate with evacuation, and new environments or travel may increase their risk of wandering and agitation. Anticipate resistance, and be aware of unexpected reactions that may be caused by changes in routine and environment. Practice your evacuation plan before a disaster occurs to identify problems and solutions.

Try your best to remain calm.
Use strategies that have been successful in the past to assist with evacuation, such as motivating with a favorite possession or food.
Do not leave the person with dementia alone. Stay together or with a group.
If appropriate, share the diagnosis with others so they can assist the person with dementia, including hotel and shelter staff, rescuers, and airline crews.

Responding to Agitation & Anxiety

Persons with dementia may experience frustration and agitation in emergency settings. Try your best to create a calming environment to prevent and reduce agitation and anxiety.

Be aware of cues that may indicate anxiety, such as fidgeting or pacing.
Take a walk or work on simple activities to divert attention and reduce anxious energy.
Move to a quieter place to limit stimulation and use ear plugs to reduce noise. If you are sheltering in a public space, create a calming isolation area using plastic sheeting or garbage bags and tape (Step 5).
Try to maintain a regular schedule of medications, meals, and sleep.
Provide brief explanations using concrete terms, followed by reassurance that the person is safe and in the right place.
Speak in a calm voice and approach the person from the front, using his or her name when addressing them.
Avoid arguing with or correcting the person. Instead, respond to their emotions and affirm their experiences.

Caregiver Well-Being

As a caregiver of an older adult with dementia, it is always important to take care of yourself, especially during a disaster or emergency situation. Talk to someone about your thoughts and feelings, and try to breathe, meditate, and reflect whenever possible.

How to Fill Out the Form
Fill Out the Form
Printable Emergency Documents

Instructions

During an emergency or disaster situation, you may be separated from your loved one with dementia or unable to communicate their needs to others. Therefore, it is important for emergency responders to be aware of your loved one's behaviors, routines, and preferences in order for rescue personnel to assist them effectively. The Substitute Caregiver Information form allows you to provide information about your loved one so that others can help them during an emergency.

Attach a copy of this form to the Medical and Healthcare Provider Information forms you completed for your loved one in Step 3, as well as their Medications & Prescriptions forms from Step 4.

Printable Emergency Documents

Click the link below to download and print an important emergency document. This document is also available in the Additional Resources section.

Special Personal Considerations Checklist

This checklist includes some emergency supply kit items that may be helpful for those with Alzheimer's or dementia when evacuating or sheltering during an emergency. Print a copy of this checklist and use it to help build your own kit at home.

Note: This checklist is also available in Step 5.

Special
Considerations

Alzheimer's
& Dementia

Car &
Travel

Emotional
Well-Being

Preparing
Your Home

Pets &
Service Animals

Work &
Public Settings

Additional
Resources