Including People with Dementia in Disaster Preparedness: A Practical Guide for Caregivers

When a natural disaster or emergency strikes, people living with dementia are especially vulnerable because they may not fully understand what is happening or how to respond. The good news is that even in early to moderate stages, they can contribute meaningfully to their own evacuation and safety planning. This article offers warm, concrete steps to involve your loved one in disaster preparedness, from building a dementia-specific emergency kit to practicing calm communication. You are not alone in this—small preparations now can reduce fear and confusion later.

Key points

• Start planning early, while the person with dementia can still participate in decisions and express preferences.
• Involve them in creating a simple emergency kit and practicing a drill—this builds familiarity and reduces fear.
• Use clear, calm communication and visual aids; avoid complex instructions during a real emergency.
• Tailor the plan to the person's stage and type of dementia, and update it as their condition changes.
• Include the Alzheimer's Association 24-hour helpline (800-272-3900) in your emergency kit for real-time support.
• Do not forget your own needs as a caregiver—arrange backup help and have a self-care plan for after the disaster.

Why People with Dementia Can Still Participate in Planning

Many caregivers assume that a dementia diagnosis means the person cannot help with any planning, but that is not true. In the early and even moderate stages, people with dementia often retain the ability to understand their own needs and preferences. They may feel anxious about losing control or being a burden, and involving them in disaster planning can restore a sense of autonomy and purpose. For example, they might remember where they keep important documents or what comforts them during stress. The key is to have these conversations early, before the disease progresses to a point where understanding becomes difficult. As one source notes, 'the sooner these plans are put in place, the more likely it is that the person living with dementia will be able to participate in the process' (Alzheimer's Association).

How Dementia Affects Emergency Response

During a disaster, a person with dementia may experience heightened fear, confusion, and agitation. They might not recognize the danger or may wander off in an attempt to find a familiar place. Their ability to follow complex instructions or remember evacuation routes can be impaired. However, they can still contribute by identifying their own triggers and comforts—for instance, they might say they feel safer with a specific blanket or need to have their medication bag nearby. By planning together, you create a shared mental map of what to do. This reduces the shock of the event because the person has already rehearsed the steps in a calm setting. As one expert explains, 'people with dementia are especially vulnerable during situations like natural disasters and they may not be able to understand what's going on completely around them and how to respond appropriately' (Dementia Careblazers). That is why preparation is not just about logistics—it is about emotional safety.

The Role of Communication and Reassurance

When you involve the person with dementia in planning, you are also building trust. They learn that you will listen to their concerns and that their voice matters. This can reduce the paranoia or delusions that sometimes arise from memory loss—for example, if they cannot remember where they put their emergency bag, they might think someone stole it. By planning together, you create a system where they can check their own list or ask you for help without shame. Use simple, clear language and visual aids like a picture of the go-bag or a map of the house. Keep the tone positive and reassuring: 'We are doing this so we can both feel safe.' This approach aligns with the NICE guideline that recommends 'using additional or modified ways of communicating (for example visual aids or simplified text)' to support decision-making (NICE).

General caregiving information, not medical advice. Check medications and major care changes with your clinician.

Discuss with your clinician

Ask your doctor: 'Given my loved one's stage of dementia, what is the safest way to involve them in evacuation planning? Are there any physical limitations I should consider?'

Discuss medication management during a disaster: 'Should we have an emergency supply of medications, and how do we handle missed doses if we are displaced?'

If the person has a history of wandering or agitation, ask: 'What strategies or medications can help reduce anxiety during a crisis without causing sedation?'

For legal planning, consult a lawyer or social worker: 'What advance directives or power of attorney documents do we need in place to ensure the person's wishes are respected during an evacuation?'

Related guides

• Dementia sensory simulation exercises for caregivers
• Wandering and elopement: response and safety plan for a missing person with dementia
• essential legal documents for dementia and naming decision-makers
• Sensory communication strategies for dementia
• Creating a Calming Environment: Lighting, Color, and Physical Design for Dementia Care
• caregiver leadership and self-advocacy
• Managing pre-sleep agitation, hollering, and swearing in dementia
• Dementia-Friendly Home Adaptations: A Practical Guide to Staying Safe and Comfortable at Home
• Finding Your People: A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia Support Groups
• Creating and Using Advance Directives for Alzheimer's: A Guide for Late-Stage Caregivers

Sources

• NICE
• PubMed
• PMC
• Alzheimer's Association
• Mayo Clinic
• mcpress.mayoclinic.org
• Dementia Careblazers
• Dementia With Grace
• Dementia Help Hub