Severe Weather Risks in Spring to be Aware of for Those Relying on Home Care

Senior-Care-in-Clark-County-VA

Senior Care in Clark County VA: Severe Weather Risks in Spring to be Aware of for Those Relying on Home Care

Spring is here. It’s a great feeling, isn’t it? Unless you’re one of those rare individuals who absolutely loves winter and everything to do with heavy snowfall, freezing rain, chiseling ice from the walkways, and more, spring is a welcome change of season. For seniors and disabled adults, getting around can be complicated anytime of the year, and even though spring brings a welcome change in the atmosphere, there are also various risk factors to be aware of, especially when home care is needed.

Severe storms are possible.

Across the entire country severe weather is an issue, even into spring. The weather issues are different in the spring than they are during the winter, but in the northern portion of the country, especially the northern Midwest and Northeast, winter storms can still occur, even into late March and through much of April, depending on how weather systems develop and patterns change.

Across the Plains, South, and Southeast, there’s an increased risk of severe thunderstorms and even tornadoes. When a person is relying on home care support services for their basic care, there needs to be some attention paid to the potential for severe weather.

What could severe weather do for those relying on home care?

Even the most experienced and professional caregivers have to be safe. If there are some severe storms in the area, such as extremely thunderstorms that can spawn tornado warnings, some home care aides may be unable to travel to their elderly clients’ houses. They may have to wait until the storm passes.

That could delay arrival by 30 minutes, an hour, or sometimes even more than that. If they’re delayed getting to one client, they may be delayed getting to other clients the rest of the day.

Communication is essential.

The more experience a home care aide has in providing this type of support to elderly clients, the more they realize the importance of communication. They will be keeping in touch with their clients and maybe even their clients’ family members to keep them abreast on what’s happening, when they expect to arrive, and if some other provisions need to be made, depending on the severity of the weather issues.

What about power outages?

People should be prepared for the potential for power outages, especially during severe weather. There should be drinkable water on hand, nonperishable food items, and for those relying on prescription medications, they should have easy access to them and candles or flashlights in the event the power outage occurs at night or continues well into the night.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring a professional senior care in Clark County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 369-6677. Serving Northern Virginia, The Valley, and Surrounding Communities

 

Julie McCormick, Co-Owner