If you're a caregiver of someone with special needs, you play an important role in making sure the person you care for is ready for a flu pandemic. Whether you are caring for people at a special-care facility, or caring for someone at home, take steps now to prepare for a pandemic.
Caring for People Living at a Special-Care Facility
If you are a person with special needs living at a special-care facility, or you are a caregiver of a person with special needs:
- Review the special-care facility's emergency plans.
- Know where necessary medication is stored.
- Have your medical equipment clearly labeled with your identifying information.
Caring for People at Home
If you are a person with special needs living at home, or you are a caregiver of a person with special needs:
- Identify people who can help you in case of a disease outbreak or other emergency.
- Give someone you trust a key to your house or apartment, and let that person know where emergency supplies are located.
- Wear a medical-alert tag or bracelet to identify existing medical conditions, allergies, or other medical needs.
Caregivers - Flu Pandemic Checklist
If you care for a person with special needs, your supplies should include:
- A list of medicines (prescription and nonprescription), including dosages.
- A list of medical conditions and medicine allergies.
- Extra eyeglasses and hearing-aid batteries, if necessary.
- Extra wheelchair batteries or other special equipment, if necessary.
- A list of the brand/style and serial numbers of medical devices.
- Copies of medical insurance and Medicare and Medicaid, and other insurance cards.
- A list of doctors.
- A list of emergency contacts and family members.
- Phone numbers of close neighbors who can help.