I serve on several statewide committees and am often amazed that in Nevada, with really a handful of cities and towns, the mention of Winnemucca draws questions:
Where is that? In Nevada? My response: “Have you been on Interstate 80 between Reno and Salt Lake City or US 95 to Oregon and Idaho?”
When I receive a positive nod, I can affirm that the person has at least passed through our community.
I felt thrilled when Jackie Shelton of Jax Marketing arrived at Pleasant Senior Center to interview attendees about disaster preparedness.
She let me know that while they had started in Reno, the production company’s route included Fernley, Fallon, Las Vegas, Elko, Wellington, and more.
The planned video will encompass all of Nevada, not just the metropolitan areas. As you know we in the rurals have different needs and accessibility, so I am pleased that this research team is looking out for us.
Upon first encounter, I was asked to respond in just one word to what I would take with me in the case of an evacuation. Being assured that Lynn was safe I chose our dog, Kathmandu.
She is a darling, a naughty darling at times, but she loves us and cares about us.
The response came automatically so I did not consider other important items such as my wallet (with identification, medical cards, and credits cards) or medications (we, fortunately, do not take any), food and water (I figured that would be at our destination), clothing, blankets, photos, phone, laptop, chargers, and more were completely forgotten.
I admit, I had never really considered the possibility and so I was not prepared to answer what is the #1 item on my list.
Later Jackie invited me to participate in a longer interview on the topic of how I would prepare for and then take care of a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia in a disaster. Flummoxed, I really had to think.
I’d had time to ponder and to discuss with others what one thing they would take with them, but I, again, was remiss in thinking of someone with cognitive impairment.
My guess, from limited experience, is that hustling a loved one out of the door and into an awaiting vehicle to escape a disaster would create fear and potential pandemonium.
For this I figured a familiar object or piece of clothing might help – a soft blanket or a cozy sweater. Medication, if needed, would be essential, along with changes of clothing, especially if incontinence is a concern.
Cleaning wipes? Water? Sleeping bag and pillow? Phone? The more I think, the more unsure I become on what would be critical to caring for myself and for someone else. Of course, circumstances differ, such as how far are we going? For how long will we be gone?
Does it appear that we will have a home to return to? So many questions and no adequate answers.
Later, after more discussion with peers, I remembered my lessons from Music and Memory.
The idea behind this program is that music is soothing and can calm an individual even in the roughest situation. With a device for recording music (iPods are truly the best – small, convenient, and not complicated) and earphones for privacy, one’s personal playlist can change a traumatic setting into something endurable.
A charger is necessary as well, but the 3 items can be easily stored in a zip-lock bag for simple transportation.
If you have not watched Alive Inside on Netflix, do so, or email me and I’ll drop my DVD by. Thinking a day in a long-term care facility offering individual music would be quick, Dan Cohen and his music research continued for years as he observed the magic of special songs that transform troubled minds to peace.
The key to Music and Memory is the right music. A product of ‘60s music, please don’t play the Big Bands of the ‘40s or rap of the ‘90s. It has to be my favorites.
If you want to see the success of this program visit Harmony Manor. You’ll enter a glow of happiness and contentment.
I will work on my list of quick-exit items and find the perfect bag for advanced preparedness. It’s sort of like the packed bag I didn’t have prior to heading to deliver at HGH.
I figured the last minute would do – it did not. Instead, I was plucky Lynn got me there never mind a bag.
Project sponsored by: Northern Nevada Center for Independent Living and Southern Nevada Center for Independent Living