Keeping People with Dementia Safe During Natural Disasters


Keeping People with Dementia Safe During Natural Disasters

Early fall is peak time for natural disasters, such as Tornadoes in Illinois. Having a disaster plan in place is particularly crucial to helping those living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. Changes in routine, traveling and relocations necessitated by an emergency evacuation may increase the risk of dementia-related behaviors that can cause additional challenges during an emergency. 

“Living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can make it hard to cope with disasters, particularly if an evacuation is necessary,” said Delia Jervier, Executive Director Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter.  “People living with dementia may not understand what is happening or why an evacuation may be needed. They may not want to leave their current surroundings. Upsetting the person’s routine can make dementia-related behaviors worse – leaving the person feeling confused, agitated or withdrawn.”

During National Preparedness Month this September, the Alzheimer’s Association is offering these important tips for families facing Alzheimer’s and other dementias to prepare for natural disasters that may lie ahead: 


Be Prepared

●    Check weather conditions regularly before leaving the house and adjust plans as needed.

●    If the person with dementia lives in a residential building or attends an adult day center, learn about its disaster and evacuation plans. 

●    Be sure the evacuation plan takes special needs into consideration. For example, if oxygen is used, be sure there is access to portable tanks.

●    Provide copies of the person’s medical history, a list of medications, physician information and family contacts to people other than the primary caregiver.

●    Consider enrolling in a wandering response service.

●    Purchase extra medication; keep essential supplies well stocked.

Prepare an emergency kit or “go kit”

●    Consider preparing an emergency kit in advance and store it in an easily accessible location. 

●    Be sure to account for your needs as well as the needs of the person living with dementia (e.g., prescriptions, medical documents, non-perishable food, phone charger, etc.). 

●    Use waterproof bags to protect medications and paperwork and, if possible, store a backup of important documents in a secure electronic file. 

●    Here is a “go kit” (https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/safety/in-a-disaster) list Items you may wish to include. 


Stay informed

●    Stay current on guidance and updated emergency plans from state and local public agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and American Red Cross, as it may affect your action and available resources and facilities. 

●    Local public agencies and law enforcement often use social media as a resource to inform the community about current events by issuing warnings and sharing real-time information that protects the public in emergencies such as weather events.

“Having your family and loved one living with dementia prepared before natural disasters strikes can be lifesaving,” said Hadi Finerty, Manager Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. “Time is of the essence during an emergency. The more steps you can take before an emergency strikes the better off you will be.” 

To learn more about what to do during an evacuation along with helpful resources to keep your loved one with dementia safe, visit alz.org/emergency. 

Contact: Lionell Martin, Public Relations Manager, Alzheimer’s Association, lrmartin@alz.org, 773.593. 4211


About the Alzheimer’s Association - Illinois Chapter:

The Alzheimer’s Association offers a 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) is available 365 days a year. Through this free service, specialists and master’s-level clinicians offer confidential support and information to people living with dementia, caregivers, families and the public. For more information about Alzheimer's disease or the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter, visit alz.org/illinois or call (800) 272-3900. For the latest news and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


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