Today we have a fairly quick, to-the-point talk, Preparing for a Family Member with a Medical Condition. This, of course, can include group members or pets not just immediate family.
Please note, this is general in formation. It is for information, education, and entertainment only. Whether it is gardening, farming, animal care, survival, emergency, self-sufficient lifestyle, DIY projects, or herbal preparations this is for info-sharing only. It is not meant to replace urgent medical care. As we have said, we are not doctors, vets, or professionals of any kind. This info is not meant for medical diagnosis or as treatment advice. We do not guarantee any results that we have gotten for any of the projects that we share with you. We share info that has worked for us. For more info, please see the Out Standing in the Field disclaimer page.
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Preparing for emergencies when you have a family member with a medical condition requires careful planning and consideration. This situation adds a layer of complexity to your preparation efforts, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach that ensures the well-being and safety of all family members, especially those with specific health requirements.
The first step in Preparing for a Family Member with a Medical Condition is doing a complete assessment of the medical needs of the family member in question.
1. Assessing Medical Needs
Assessing the specific needs of a medical condition includes understanding the nature of their condition, the medications they require, any medical equipment they depend on, and the regular care they need. Gathering detailed information about these needs is crucial for creating an effective emergency plan.
If you do not understand a condition or its’ requirements you can not possibly make a prepping plan for it. Do your research, know exactly what your family members’ needs are. Be sure you understand what side effects will come with both the condition and the medication. Find out if there are any natural treatments that may be able to be substituted for the prescription meds.
Once you have a clear understanding of the medical requirements, the next step in Preparing for a Family Member with a Medical Condition is to ensure an adequate supply of necessary medications and medical supplies.
2. Collecting the Required Supplies
This will mean having a stockpile of prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs that are frequently used, and any specialized medical equipment that is essential for the person’s health and well-being.
It’s important to check expiration dates regularly and rotate supplies to ensure they remain usable.
It would also be a good idea to find some alternate suppliers for the meds and equipment. That way if your current supplier runs out, you will know where to go to get more meds or equipment replacements.
In addition to securing supplies, developing an emergency medical plan is a critical part of Preparing for a Family Member with a Medical Condition.
3. Having an Emergency Medical Plan
An emergency medical plan should detail how to manage the individual’s medical condition in various scenarios. Consider situations such as if you are at home, on the road, or in a shelter. The plan should include instructions for administering medications, operating medical equipment, and performing any necessary procedures.
It’s also wise to have a written summary of the medical condition, treatment plan, and emergency contacts readily available, ideally in waterproof packaging. Training and education are essential components of your preparation.
All family members should be familiar with the medical condition and understand how to assist in an emergency. This might involve learning how to administer medication, operate medical equipment, or perform first aid or CPR.
This may seem trivial but it is also a good idea to note any special ways meds are to be given. Is it easier to give that kid meds in pudding or can they take a pill straight? If a kid is small or the meds have a bad taste, you will need a way to mask the pill. If you note the special way the patient prefers their meds, it will make things go smoother.
The same can go for pets. Peanut Butter is a staple in our house for giving meds. Smear some peanut butter over the pill and down it goes no questions asked.
Believe us, in a crazy situation with all the other things going on, figuring out how to give that critical medication only adds to the stress. Knowing how things normally go and keeping to that routine will make things go better.
Another critical, though often overlooked part of Preparing for a Family Member with a Medical Condition is having the proper plan and supplies for family members with Specific Dietary Restrictions.
This is not about a dieting fad, this is actual required medical restrictions.
4. Making a plan for Special Dietary Needs
Creating an emergency pantry that accommodates dietary restrictions like gluten-free, vegan, or other special diets requires careful selection and planning. Ensuring that your stockpile aligns with dietary needs not only provides peace of mind but also guarantees that everyone can access nourishing and safe foods in an emergency. Sometimes is it not about what you can not have but what you must have to satisfy the special dietary needs.
Creating an emergency pantry that accommodates dietary restrictions like gluten-free, vegan, diabetic, food allergy, or other special diets requires careful selection and planning. Ensuring that your stockpile aligns with dietary needs not only provides peace of mind but also guarantees that everyone can access nourishing and safe foods in an emergency. Here are some ideas on how to build an emergency food supply tailored to specific dietary restrictions or special dietary needs.
There is a huge variety of different kinds of special dietary needs. We would not be able to get to each and every one but we have a general list of some of the most common gluten-free, vegan, diabetic, food allergy, and other medical diets.
That being said, please do your research and know, if you have a family member with a food restriction, exactly what they need and what they can not eat. An emergency situation is bad, it is only made worse when you have a medical condition but add a food restriction to that and things could be so much worse.
For gluten-free diet options, choose whole grains and flours that naturally lack gluten. Quinoa, rice, millet, and buckwheat are excellent staples, as they are gluten-free and nutrient-dense.
Rice, in particular, is versatile and easy to store for long periods. It can be used as a base for meals or ground into flour for baking. Quinoa and millet also provide high protein and fiber content, making them valuable for balanced nutrition.
To replace regular flours, opt for almond, coconut, and rice flour, which are gluten-free and suitable for baking or thickening sauces. Store these in airtight containers with oxygen absorbers to keep them fresh and prevent cross-contamination.
Canned and dried legumes are crucial for some special dietary needs but not for others. Be sure you know what is included in your family members’ exact special dietary requirements. Beans, lentils, and chickpeas offer protein, fiber, and essential minerals, fitting well into most dietary restrictions.
They can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads. Dried legumes are also economical and stored compactly. With proper storage, they can last for years. For convenience, canned versions provide a ready-to-eat option that requires minimal preparation. Make sure to rotate these items regularly to maintain freshness.
Nuts and seeds are essential for some special dietary needs, providing both protein and healthy fats. Stock up on almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and chia seeds. These items add texture to meals and can be eaten as snacks or used as toppings for oatmeal and salads.
Chia seeds, in particular, are nutrient-dense and expand when soaked, making them ideal for thickening dishes or creating pudding-like textures. Store nuts and seeds in cool, dark places to prevent rancidity, as they have a higher fat content that can spoil if exposed to heat.
Dehydrated fruits and vegetables offer a range of flavors and nutrients without taking up much space. For those with special dietary needs, dehydrated options are invaluable as they retain most of their vitamins and minerals.
Apples, berries, carrots, and bell peppers are some of the most versatile choices. Dehydrated fruits add natural sweetness to meals and can be used in oatmeal or as snacks, while vegetables can be rehydrated for soups, stews, and stir-fries. These are good alternatives for sugar and other sweeteners that may not be on a diabetic or food allergy diet.
Storing dehydrated produce in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers helps maintain quality and shelf life, preserving nutrients for the long term.
Freeze-dried meals tailored to specific dietary needs are widely available and convenient for emergencies. Look for brands that offer diets for the exact condition or restriction that you are planning for, ensuring that each meal provides balanced nutrition without compromising dietary restrictions.
Freeze-dried vegan curries, stews, and rice dishes are widely available and often require only water to rehydrate. Freeze-dried foods are especially useful for their extended shelf life, often lasting up to 25 years if stored properly. Pack these in a dedicated area of your pantry to prevent accidental mixing with non-specialty items.
Alternative protein sources, like textured vegetable protein (TVP) and jackfruit, are excellent for vegan diets. TVP, made from soy, has a long shelf life and provides a high protein content, making it suitable as a meat substitute in various recipes. Of course, if you have a soy allergy, do not use these kinds of foods.
It rehydrates quickly and can absorb flavors from sauces or seasonings, making it versatile for different dishes. Jackfruit, available canned, offers a fibrous texture that works well in savory dishes like tacos or stews. Both items are lightweight and easy to store, making them ideal for adding variety to vegan meals.
Coconut milk and almond milk powder are essential for vegan and dairy-free diets. Coconut milk adds creaminess to curries, soups, and sauces, while almond milk powder can be reconstituted for drinking or baking.
Both options are shelf-stable and have a relatively long shelf life, especially when stored in cool, dry conditions. Coconut milk also provides healthy fats, which can be harder to find in plant-based diets. Almond milk powder is versatile and can be used to replace dairy in most recipes, making it a valuable addition for anyone avoiding dairy.
To add variety and flavor, stock up on gluten-free and vegan condiments like tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and nutritional yeast. Tamari provides umami depth without the gluten found in traditional soy sauce, and it enhances the flavor of rice, vegetables, and stir-fries.
Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy, nutty taste and is rich in B vitamins, making it a useful seasoning for special dietary needs. It’s also shelf-stable and lightweight, adding nutrients and flavor to meals without needing refrigeration. These condiments keep your meals interesting and nutritionally balanced, even when using limited ingredients.
Oil and fat sources that meet dietary restrictions are crucial for cooking and flavor. Coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado oil are suitable for most dietary needs.
Coconut oil has a long shelf life, making it ideal for storage, while olive and avocado oils provide heart-healthy fats. Store oils in dark, cool places to prevent oxidation and extend their shelf life. Including a variety of oils allows for flexibility in cooking, ensuring that you have the right option for sautéing, baking, or salad dressings.
Spices and dried herbs are essential for enhancing flavor in restricted diets, as they add variety without introducing allergens or animal products. Spices like turmeric, cumin, oregano, and basil are versatile and enhance the taste of most stored foods, whether they’re gluten-free grains, legumes, or freeze-dried meals.
Dried herbs and spices are also lightweight and easy to store, making them a practical way to add flavor to your meals. Keeping a well-stocked spice selection ensures that even simple dishes can be flavorful and satisfying.
Anyone can be allergic to anything, so be sure you know if your family member is allergic to any herbs, spices, or additives before you add them to your dietary plan.
Grain substitutes like cauliflower rice and zucchini noodles can be made from dehydrated vegetables or found in freeze-dried form at specialty stores. These substitutes are valuable for those with special dietary needs and add variety without relying on traditional grains.
Dehydrated cauliflower rice, for example, rehydrates quickly and provides a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to rice. Store these items in sealed containers to maintain freshness, and use them as bases for stir-fries or as side dishes with canned proteins and vegetables.
Lastly, supplements like protein powder, vitamins, and minerals can help fill in any nutritional gaps that might occur with restricted diets. Plant-based protein powders, particularly those made from peas or hemp, provide a concentrated protein source for vegan diets.
Multi-vitamins that include B12, D, and iron are especially useful for those following special dietary needs, as these nutrients can be harder to obtain from plant-based foods alone. Keep these supplements in your pantry to ensure that your diet remains balanced, especially during extended periods of relying on stored food.
We have put together a checklist for general Special Dietary Needs. This is a basic list that covers many issues but not all. You may need to amend it to fit your exact needs. Feel free to download, print out, and use it for yourself.
This is a three-page checklist for general Special Dietary Needs.
To make Preparing for a Family Member with a Medical Condition easier and reliable get your family and friends involved by having a community support network.
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5. Set up Support Network
Professional training courses can provide valuable knowledge and skills that could make a significant difference in a crisis. Communication with healthcare providers is another important aspect of preparation.
Discussing your emergency plan with your family member’s doctors can provide additional insights and recommendations to enhance your plan. They may offer advice on managing the condition under stress, adjusting medication dosages, or other considerations specific to emergency situations.
Creating a support network is also beneficial. This network can include neighbors, friends, and family members who are aware of the medical condition and willing to provide assistance if needed.
In an emergency, having a network of people who understand the situation and can offer help or resources can be invaluable.
Another part of Preparing for a Family Member with a Medical Condition is planning for all the “What-Ifs”.
6. Make a Plan for Multiple Situations
If evacuation is necessary, plan for how you will transport medical supplies and equipment. Have a plan in place and know exactly how you will need to move those equipment and supplies with the person. That list of alternate supplies will be handy also in case you are moving away from the current supplier.
Have a plan for if you will be on the road for an extended period of time. The person will need to be kept comfortable. Ensure you have extra batteries, tools, or replacement parts.
If sheltering in place, ensure that your home is equipped to meet the medical needs of your family member, including having a backup power source for essential medical equipment. If you do not have these things, can you keep enough supplies on hand or will you need to acquire them? Know how and where to get supplies that you do not already have. Planning ahead is best but if you can not realistically stockpile enough for the long haul then you need to be able to get your hands on supplies as your current supply runs out.
Preparing for an emergency when a family member has a medical condition requires meticulous planning, coordination, and education. You can create a robust preparation strategy that prioritizes the health and safety of all family members, especially those with specific medical needs. This proactive approach can provide peace of mind and significantly improve the outcome of any emergency situation.
Preparing for a Family Member with a Medical Condition is not a full list of all of the possibilities as every medical condition has its’ own unique requirements but it is a place to start. Once you start thinking about all that is required on a daily basis you will start to see options, possibilities, and complications that may arise. Hopefully, this will help you start getting things together and ready for if or when they are needed.
If you are interested in some of our other talks please see the ones below.
Starting a Home Garden, Simple and Easy
Month 4: Ready for Longer-Term Disruptions
Feed Your Kids Right by Dr. Lendon Smith
We hope you have gotten some good info from this talk Preparing for a Family Member with a Medical Condition. Please do go over this info and make a plan if you have a special needs family member. Pretending that it will all be ok will leave you in a very bad situation and could leave that family member in trouble.
Thank you for visiting and please come again for another edition of Out Standing in the Field.
