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How Can You Make Sure Your Oxygen-dependent Senior Is Ready for a Power Outage?

Senior Care in The Heights TX: Power outages can be terrifying if your aging adult is dependent upon oxygen therapy.
Senior Care in The Heights TX: How Can You Make Sure Your Oxygen-dependent Senior Is Ready for a Power Outage?

One of your senior’s biggest fears if she is dependent on oxygen might be that the power could go out at any time. The key to resolving that fear is to have solutions in place before anything happens.

Call the Power Company

Your senior’s power company needs to know that she depends on her oxygen therapy on a daily basis. Many power companies put a special code on your elderly family member’s account that marks her as a priority customer. Some even have programs that help with a generator. You may need a note from your senior’s doctor to finalize any arrangements with the power company.

Call Your Local Emergency Responders

Your local fire and police departments may be able to help your senior during a power outage or other emergency. Call and let them know that your elderly family member depends on oxygen. They may be able to bring your senior supplies if the power goes out or if a natural disaster occurs.

Talk with the Oxygen Supply Company

Many oxygen supply companies are extremely helpful in preparing for an emergency. They’re very aware of the need their customers are in and they can help you to stock up on emergency supplies for your senior. Contacting them before an emergency allows you to prepare in advance.

Install a Generator, if Feasible

Generators are expensive, that’s for sure. If other programs aren’t available to help your senior get a generator installed, you may want to figure out if there’s a way for you to be able to buy one. They’re incredibly useful if the power should go out and if your elderly family member lives in an area in which the power is fragile, the generator is a good investment.

Let People Who Help Know What to Do

Once you have a plan in place for what to do when the power goes out, it is important to let everyone who helps your senior know what to do. Family members need to know to call the local fire department or that the power company is aware of your elderly family member’s needs. Hiring senior care providers is also a great idea because they are more familiar with the equipment that your elderly family member is using.

Your area may have other resources that can help your senior prepare for potential power outages. If you’re not having luck finding those resources, talk to her doctor about which agencies you can contact for further assistance.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in The Heights, TX, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.

Donna Wrabel, LMSW

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