The all too familiar Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. For seniors living in areas prone to hurricane impact, it is crucial to have a hurricane preparedness plan in place for protection against their often-destructive power. However, preparing for a significant storm can be time-consuming, costly, and stressful for seniors, their families, and caregivers. All of this is compounded for older adults who live alone or have more complex healthcare needs.
Senior living communities lift the stress of hurricane preparedness
Along with benefits like maintenance-free living, a vibrant social structure, chef-prepared meals, and the security of healthcare onsite, senior living communities offer another important advantage. They relieve the physical, financial, and emotional stress of hurricane preparedness.
Retirement communities, like The Manhattan, coming soon to St. Petersburg, Florida, offer a wide range of safety measures and benefits to support members before, during, and even after a storm. These measures are established, published, and available, so members can have peace of mind knowing that they are prepared should a storm arise. Here is what The Manhattan will have in place, and what you should expect from a senior living community’s comprehensive hurricane preparedness plan.
Secure facility
Our community is designed with structural integrity in mind, and our team makes sure our grounds are prepared, creating a safe haven during a tropical storm or hurricane.
Backup power
Our community is equipped with backup generators to provide power for essential services like lighting in select areas, heating/cooling, medical equipment, and food preparation.
Timely communication
We have robust communication systems in place, including a hotline and updates on our website, to keep members and their families informed and updated throughout the storm.
Vital supplies
We maintain a sufficient supply of essentials like food, water, medications, and other necessities to ensure members’ comfort and welfare.
24/7 staffing
Our dedicated team members are trained in emergency procedures and are available around the clock. They monitor and provide support to ensure member needs are met.
Evacuation plan
We have a plan that provides oversight, staffing, resources, and safe transportation to alternative sites if members’ safety is compromised, or evacuation is necessary. It is one of the many benefits of being part of the Convivial Life family of communities.
Post-storm cleanup
Our members never have to worry about the effort and cost of cleanup and repairs that often follow a storm. Everything from landscaping and structural damage is taken care of, without costly assessment fees for repairs or the stress of dealing with and waiting for insurance claims.
Senior living communities receive priority status
Senior living communities can often receive attention and support more quickly and efficiently during an emergency response. Authorities understand the need and give them priority status for aid such as restoration of power and other crucial services.
Advantages to sheltering in place at a senior living community
Living in a senior living community allows members to shelter in place, when appropriate, avoiding the danger and uncertainty of getting caught in the storm trying to evacuate. Additionally, the community and its team strive to maintain a sense of normalcy and comfort for members through engaging activities, entertainment, and social interaction. In addition to the benefits of hurricane preparedness, communities offer other advantages.
Peace of mind
Knowing there is a solid and regulated hurricane preparedness plan in place, the essentials you need, and a team ready to assist can ease anxiety and stress for seniors and their families. This eliminates the worry over the availability of food and supplies, necessary medication, and more.
Safety and security
Senior living communities offer a secure environment with highly trained team members who are able to handle emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of members.
Companionship and support
No one should have to ride out a hurricane alone. Members have the support of team members and neighbors. This fosters a true sense of community and camaraderie during challenging times.
Uninterrupted engagement
Although activities and events often need to be adapted to the situation, communities strive to maintain a sense of routine and normalcy for residents/members. This helps everyone bear the storm more comfortably.
Seniors and their families are trading hurricane stress for the many benefits of senior living
For seniors living alone, and their families, the thought of having to prepare for and endure a storm, or worse yet, evacuate, can be paralyzing. If you are preparing yourself or a loved one for the season’s unpredictable outcomes, reach out to The Manhattan to learn how this hurricane season can be better for everyone. We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our members, particularly during challenging times when they need it most. Our comprehensive shelter-in-place protocols, combined with our compassionate team and a rich sense of community, ensure that our members can comfortably weather any storm.
Call us at 717-291-7600 or schedule a personal appointment to learn about our extraordinary lifestyle, generous services and amenities, and onsite healthcare