Heartfelt thoughts go out to all affected by the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian. 

I spent the first part of this week preparing to leave Tampa as it looked like the first storm to make a direct hit in over 100 years was headed our way.  In addition to getting my family and home prepared, I was reaching out to clients and making sure they were settled and had everything they needed.  Did they have supplies, did they have prescriptions, were they staying or evacuating? 

Florida has the highest percentage of seniors. The average age in Naples, Florida is 65.4 years old. Nationwide 1 in 5 seniors live alone.

Now that the storm has passed and we are seeing the devastation, I worry most about the seniors who, with limited notice, limited resources and limited family or loved ones, had no choice but to try and ride out the storm. 

What about those who were alone and either did not have anyone to check on them, or did not have anyone who could get to them in time to help?  I always say it is important for everyone to have a healthcare advocate, whether family, friend or professional and Hurricane Ian proved that once again.

How an Advocate can Help

Here are two examples where a healthcare advocate could prove helpful in a natural disaster:

Two snowbird clients, in their 90’s, recently relocated down to Naples, Florida, about 40 miles North of the worst devastation.  They have a large caring family, but no one in Florida.  While I called to check on them, the sudden change in Ian’s direction left them unable to leave Naples.  Luckily, they are alright, a little frazzled, but unharmed.  Had they required hospitalization, their medical records (Florida and Michigan records) are all stored in Haven’s portal and their children all have access to the portal.  We could share those records in a matter of moments if needed.  

While I worry most about the seniors, you do not have to be a senior to benefit from having an advocate during a natural disaster.  I have a young client who is pregnant and recently received a cancer diagnosis.  With a devastating storm coming their way they were mandated to evacuate their home.  They drove out of state to be safe and to be with family.  While they were away, she started experiencing complications.  She was admitted to a hospital; a hospital out of state with none of her complicated medical records. As soon as I was notified, I was able to fax her most recent medical records to the hospital, including her current list of medications.  Her care was able to be continued with little to no interruption. 

Being able to access your medical records, especially your medication list, is vital for all hospitalizations, but during a disaster, this can be challenging.  Having an advocate can make a difference in the care you receive.  Be prepared, take precautions when able, and have someone you trust who knows your medical history and needs.

To donate for hurricane Ian disaster relief please visit: www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222.  You can also donate directly to the Red Cross disaster relief fund.

To learn more about Haven Healthcare Advocates and the services we provide please visit our website at www.havenhca.com or click here to schedule a consultation.