1. Stay ‘In Touch’ during the holidays

Pierce County Aging and Long Term Care’s “In Touch for the Holidays” program helps families establish a strategy to assist older relatives in emergency situations. It was developed to aid families in initiating discussions concerning ways to help older relatives during natural disasters or weather related emergencies.

Disasters and emergencies strike without warning. Windstorms, snowstorms and floods are common during the winter months and sometimes accompanied by disruption of electrical power or telephone service. “The holidays are a time when families get together, and this provides an opportunity to talk about coping during emergency situations,” said Sally Nixon, manager of Pierce County Aging and Long Term Care.

The “In Touch” program includes an action plan aimed at encouraging family communication efforts before, during and after a crisis. Action plan information can be viewed and downloaded at www.PierceSeniorInfo.org.
“In Touch for the Holidays” was designed by Eldercare Locator, a public service of the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The tool is provided through Aging and Long Term Care, the nationally designated Area Agency on Aging for Pierce County. For further information, call Bob Riler at 253-798-7384.