The hurricane season is one of the most dreaded time of the year. Imagine the stress that comes with it and the possible consequences of what will take place later on. Older adults who are anticipating a major hurricane in Tampa, FL can become anxious without emotional preparation. Help them out with this scenario by abiding with the following tips.
Allow them Time to Prepare for the Scenario
Being informed is one thing that you can use to arm your older family members about the hurricane that is to come. As mentioned, if you have been living in Florida for a long time, you know that a tropical storm or hurricane is already part of every single year. That does not mean your loved ones are as prepared as you are for it. Therefore, if you are to prepare them for what is to happen, let them know about the situation. Reassure them that you will be there with them no matter what. Your assurance will help them become more emotionally ready for what is to come.
Let them Know it is Okay to Worry
You may be worried about it too, and your loved ones feel the same. You need to accept and recognize the emotions that come with expecting a hurricane. You might either feel sad, aside from being anxious, or frightened about what will happen after. Recognizing feelings of numbness, anger and confusion must be dealt with from the very start. For those who have moved your loved ones to a retirement community, make sure that team members are prepared to walk your family members through these roller-coaster ride.
Do Not Pressure Them
As with any other things, putting pressure so that your loved ones will easily share what they feel will not help. This must come out naturally. You can talk to them about the possible scenarios, and manage to know how they feel depending on how they react to every word you say. Note that just like you, they must feel it is normal to react to a disaster or crisis in a different approach when compared to others.
Let Them Feel Your Presence
Promising them that you will be there is already a good place to start. With you, however, make them know that friends, peers, and neighbors are also preparing for the situation. This can help reestablish normalcy once the storm is over.
Let them Enjoy their Usual Activities
In retirement communities, daily living activities are great ways to get by each day. They encourage your loved ones to be healthy and happy all the time. If you want your loved ones to divert their attention to something more positive, then why not spend a day playing board games with them? This can create positive thoughts while they rest, rather than anticipating the negatives of the situation.
Address Issues Right Away
Some things are beyond your control and you have to recognize that there are limitations to what you can do. Despite these, you still need to put an effort by addressing the issue because you have loved ones to take care of.
