Hurricane season is a stressful time for all Floridians. Throughout the year, we see
significant wind and rain whipping through Brevard County, flooding roads, and damaging
property. For seniors living in their homes, the overwhelm of hurricane season can be
more manageable with a solid plan in place.
With advanced planning, seniors in Brevard County have options. It’s best not to wait until
the weatherman starts talking about storm systems heading our way to make a decision.
From staying at home with homecare to registering for a shelter, there is more than one
way for seniors to sit out a storm comfortably – with some research and a plan.

3 Ways Seniors Can Sit Out a Storm

1) At home
2) Respite care
3) County shelter

1. Staying at home during a storm requires plenty of pre-planning.

Unless you are in an area with mandatory evacuations (barrier islands, we’re looking at
you!), staying at home during a hurricane is a possibility. Depending on the strength of the
storm, an older adult might feel safer in their home. With a little help preparing the house
and gathering supplies, some seniors would rather stay in familiar territory when the
weather outside gets inhospitable.

Reasons Seniors are Reluctant to Evacuate:

Loss of property
Special needs
Physical/cognitive decline
Concern for pets
Financial resources

The services of a private duty caregiver and case manager can be arranged in advance and
regular visits before the storm can have a senior safely storm-ready.

With families often living out of town, out-of-state, and even out of the country, this extra layer of support offers comfort and connection during uncertain times. If you are concerned about how your aging parent will access food, manage power outages, and obtain emergency services if they stay at home, the on-site assistance of a private duty caregiver is a must.

2. Respite care is available at most assisted living facilities throughout the year.

Assisted living facilities offer stays anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to seniors
who cannot be home alone, such as while recuperating from illness or injury. With
respite and month-to-month contracts, assisted living facilities offer an ideal solution for
seniors who leave their homes during a hurricane. They can safely continue to enjoy
cooking, air conditioning, and the company of other seniors while the storms howl outside.

Since 2018, all assisted living facilities licensed by the state require a generator to be available and working onsite. This added safety measure makes a big difference when Florida is just starting to heat up as hurricane season rolls in. For added comfort, have a private duty caregiver help pack needed items, transport to the facility before bad weather starts, and stay to get settled. (If you want your private caregiver to stay throughout the storm, discuss that with the agency in advance.)While a respite stay in assisted living can be a great option, it does require planning. Not all facilities have rooms available when a storm comes, and some facilities must evacuate and all will require paperwork to be completed. Take the time to do some research or work with a knowledgeable senior living expert who can help you plan.

3. Shelters offer a safe space in times of emergency or disaster.

Shelters are available throughout Brevard County in the event of an evacuation. Whether
you choose a General Population Shelter or Special Needs Shelter, planning and
registration are required. Transportation is free to all who register and indicate a need. If
you have pets, they cannot go to the shelter. Arrangements will be made for their pickup
and return by Animal Services.

What to Bring to a Shelter

Bedding/cot/chair
Medications and equipment
Personal hygiene items
Games/cards/books/magazines

Click Here for the Brevard County, Florida, Transportation and Special Needs Registry
Application

The good news? Your private duty home care agency will help you complete the
application. Additionally, a private duty caregiver can help prepare the supplies you need
during your stay. When staying at home can’t be an option, safety and companionship can
be found in a local shelter.

What Will You Do to Prepare for Hurricane Season?

If you have concerns about the safety of an elderly person during hurricane season in
Florida, don’t wait another day to get a plan in place. When aging parents don’t want to
leave their home, but their safety is in jeopardy, it may be necessary to have an
uncomfortable conversation. The top priority is for them to have a safety plan when storm
season starts.

Depending on where a senior lives and how hard the area was hit, services may vary
widely. From electricity to emergency services, it is hard to determine exactly when
modern conveniences – much less safe travel – will resume. For families far and near, the
added assistance and companionship of a private duty caregiver gives peace of mind and
keeps seniors connected with those they love.

Private Duty Home Care is a great solution anytime older parents need a little extra help.
Even for those who say they don’t need assistance, establishing a relationship with a
caregiver can make a big difference in stressful times like hurricane season. The bond of
trust that develops between a caregiver and client can be the turning point in accepting a
safety plan.

Private Duty Home Care isn’t a fair-weather friend. They are there for their clients in good
times and bad weather, making them one of the Resources We Love. Read more about
how Private Duty Home Care can help seniors and their loved ones stay safe and connected
any time of year in the Resources Section of our Blog.