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How to Best Communicate with Your Elderly Neighbors
To Determine If They Need Help Due to Hurricane Ike
1. Often seniors who value their independence will not admit their need for help. A senior may likely say he is okay when really he is not. He may not want to ask for help, even though he is in great need.
2. Instead of asking direct questions about needs, share your personal experiences and challenges with Hurricane Ike. You are more likely to determine if basic needs are being met through same-level, friendly conversation rather than talking "down" to a older adult.
Some examples:
1. "I had to throw away everything in my freezer and refrigerator! What a waste of money! Did you have to throw away food? I bought too much take-out. Will you help me keep my diet and take some off my hands?" (Safety note: perishable food that has thawed or was kept in a non-working refrigerator for more than 2 days should be thrown away.)
2. "I am so glad city officials said we can drink the tap water now! (Safety note: Not everyone may have heard this news, or may be skeptical. They may not be drinking water and are therefore at risk for dehydration.)
3. "I don't know what I would have done without my flashlight. I almost stubbed my toe going to the bathroom in the middle of the night last night! Do you have one? I bought a couple of extras if you would like to borrow one." (Safety note: Falls are more common when there is no electricity to light the way. Falls are the number one cause of loss of independence in adults 65 years of age or better.)
4. "I read in the Houston Chronicle that insulin can be kept at room temperature for 30 days."
5. "I heard that if you have durable medical equipment that requires power, you may be able to get an alternative solution paid for by Medicare. You just call the durable medical equipment provider and let them know you don't have electricity because of the storm. Beats paying to run a generator out of your pocket!"
6. "My buddies and I LOVE to use a chainsaw. Can we clear this tree for you? Our office jobs are never this much fun!" OR "My husband is driving me crazy hanging around the house. Can I send him over here to work in your yard?"
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