As several wildfires burn throughout Arizona, for older adults who live in areas at risk of evacuation, preparation is key.
Dr. Tara Ostrom is senior medical director for Optum Primary Care in Phoenix. She says older adults are more likely to have limited mobility, impaired hearing or vision and even mild cognitive impairment, so having an evacuation plan is important.
"It’s always good to have, like an N95 or respirator, something to kind of protect the lungs and filter out the smoke; having a complete list of medications; the pharmacy, doctors, phone numbers," Ostrom said.
She also recommends having advanced directives in a place that is readily accessible in case of an evacuation. Something else to consider, if medications have to be refrigerated, she suggests having a cooler at the ready.