It’s all relative, isn’t it?
Ordinarily, having no power for almost
five days and no way to cook anything would have me complaining bitterly. But
after seeing the pictures of homeless people in Atlantic City, seniors stranded
in darkened, high-rise Manhattan apartments, damaged waterfront homes here in
Connecticut and Staten Island, and four-hour waits in lines for gas in New
Jersey, my troubles seemed trivial, indeed.
However, since unusual
weather events are now becoming more frequent occurrences, I was motivated to do
a little research and find out how some of our senior facilities coped during
Sandy, and what they are doing to be prepared for any future
emergencies.
One of my first calls was to Sue Wharfe, executive director
of Shoreline Village, a newly formed group that hopes to help residents who want
to age in their own homes. Sue sent an email to all prospective 260 people and
was so impressed that 12 people responded, offering assistance, while only three
requested help, which she was able to provide.
While that is commendable, I wonder how many others needed help, but either
had no email or because of a power loss, could not communicate. Plans for other
methods of communication will need to be discussed for the
future.
Orchard House, the adult day care center, had to close, but they
did some advance preparation and had contacted their list of emergency
responders for all their clients so that other arrangements could be
made.
The VNA and other agencies mentioned the long hours many aides and
nurses stayed on the job, and the extreme efforts made to ensure that people
dependent on receiving medications or special treatments were cared
for.
Among assisted-living communities, Phil Noto, executive director at
the Hearth at Gardenside, said that while they lost power, their
industrial-strength generator powered everything essential, including oxygen,
sleep machines, emergency equipment and at least one light in each resident’s
room. Dining was fully operational, and there was an outlet in the game room,
permitting the viewing of games and movies.
A similar report came from
Ron Bowen, executive director at Atria, Larson Place, who said new technology
gives ample warning of most storms, and so everyone should have a disaster plan
in place. They maintain a three-day extra supply of food and water for every
resident and employee, year-round.
All communal communities should have a
back-up generator that keeps the kitchen, elevators, lights and heat going. Ron
also suggests that people at home should talk with neighbors or close friends to
have a back-up plan to help one another, as should caregivers and their
families.
The Gables at Guilford, with luxury, costly, independent apartments, had no emergency generators to run the elevators. I checked with David Vail, a well-known consultant in the senior living field, who told me that unfortunately, there are no state or local regulations that require senior communities to have large, full-strength generators.
This is certainly something that needs to be changed. If you are looking at communities for a loved one or relative, check on their emergency equipment and plans.
Many churches opened their doors to help, and the Jewish Community Center in Woodbridge offered “power and a shower” for members and guests. The Guilford Senior Center did an outstanding job, remained open and offered free meals to those needing food.
Many in the Northeast are still in need, so as we make plans to enjoy Thanksgiving with friends and family, let us all give to a favorite charity to help those who have lost so much.
Help from FEMA for temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans, uninsured property losses, etc., may be applied for at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. or by calling 1-800-462-7585.
Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at 101 Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.
