Managing Emergency Situations in Dementia Care
Managing Emergency Situations in Dementia Care
Caring for someone with dementia requires special attention, especially when emergencies arise. Because people living with dementia may have memory loss, confusion, or difficulty communicating, handling urgent situations calmly and thoughtfully is essential to keep them safe and comfortable.
**Preparing an Emergency Plan**
A good emergency plan is the foundation of managing crises effectively. It should include:
– **Important Contacts:** List family members, doctors, caregivers, and emergency services numbers.
– **Medications:** Keep a current list of all medications including dosages.
– **Mobility Needs:** Note any walking aids like canes or wheelchairs and other devices such as portable oxygen. Make sure helpers know about these needs since they affect evacuation or assistance[1].
– **Legal Documents:** Have power of attorney papers, advance directives, and insurance info ready in a waterproof container so they can be accessed quickly if needed[1].
**Keeping Track and Ensuring Safety**
People with dementia may wander or become disoriented easily. Using technology like GPS trackers or apps that alert caregivers if the person leaves designated “safe zones” helps prevent dangerous situations[1]. Also identify nearby safe places where the person can be taken if lost.
**During an Emergency**
When an emergency happens—like a fall or sudden illness—responders need clear information about the person’s cognitive condition to provide proper care. Many hospitals now use age-friendly protocols focusing on four key areas: what matters most to the patient; medication review; mental status evaluation; and mobility assessment[5]. This approach helps avoid complications such as delirium which people with dementia are more prone to during hospital stays.
Physical adaptations in emergency rooms also support safety: non-slip floors, handrails, clear signage for easy navigation, large-print forms for vision issues—all help reduce stress for older
