{"id":217,"date":"2025-07-05T08:23:46","date_gmt":"2025-07-05T07:23:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chrisy.com.au\/?p=217"},"modified":"2025-07-05T08:23:46","modified_gmt":"2025-07-05T07:23:46","slug":"emergency-planning-for-elderly-and-carers-in-gippsland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chrisy.com.au\/index.php\/2025\/07\/05\/emergency-planning-for-elderly-and-carers-in-gippsland\/","title":{"rendered":"Emergency Planning for Elderly and Carers in Gippsland"},"content":{"rendered":"

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TL;DR<\/h2>\n

Gippsland has a new emergency response plan that prioritises older adults, people with disabilities, and carers. Local GPs, pharmacists, and health services are now formally involved in disaster planning and response. Community members are encouraged to update their My Health Record, print medication lists, and make basic emergency plans. You may also be eligible for the Vulnerable Persons Register. Small steps now can mean faster, safer support when disaster strikes.<\/p>\n

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In Gippsland, floods, fires, storms and power outages aren\u2019t just headlines. They\u2019re part of life. And for many older people, carers, and those living with health issues or disabilities, preparing for a disaster can feel overwhelming\u2014or even impossible.<\/p>\n

But here\u2019s the good news: a lot is changing behind the scenes to make disaster response more community-friendly. Local GPs, pharmacists, and allied health providers are working together with Gippsland PHN (Primary Health Network) and emergency agencies to build a more responsive, more compassionate plan\u2014one that puts you<\/em> at the centre.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s break down what that means\u2014and what small steps you can take to be safer and more supported when disaster hits.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Changing?<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Health services are planning ahead\u2014together.<\/strong>
    Doctors, nurses, pharmacies and community health organisations are being included in emergency planning for the first time in a coordinated way. That means your local GP might soon be part of the official disaster response team\u2014at field clinics, evacuation centres, or over the phone.<\/li>\n
  2. Priority populations are being named and planned for.<\/strong>
    If you\u2019re older, have a disability, live in a remote area, or care for someone with health needs\u2014you\u2019re considered a priority<\/em>. This doesn\u2019t mean \u201cvulnerable\u201d in a negative sense. It means you\u2019ll be at the front of the line for help, information, and medical support when something goes wrong.<\/li>\n
  3. Your medical information matters.<\/strong>
    Health professionals are being encouraged to help patients keep printed medication lists, update their My Health Record, and prepare for emergencies. This means quicker care in stressful situations\u2014even if you\u2019re away from home or without your usual support.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    What Do You Need to Do?<\/h2>\n
      \n
    1. Check your health records.<\/strong>
      Ask your GP or pharmacist if your My Health Record<\/em> is up to date. Print a list of your current medications and keep it somewhere easy to grab\u2014like near your door, in your wallet, or with your emergency bag.<\/li>\n
    2. Talk with your care team.<\/strong>
      Ask your GP, nurse, or community health worker:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \u201cWhat happens to people like me during a flood or bushfire?\u201d
      They may have new training, resources, or planning options that can help you prepare.<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Know who to call\u2014and who\u2019s calling you.<\/strong>
        Keep a written list of important phone numbers. Gippsland PHN is developing a Contact Guide for priority populations and emergency health messages. Make sure your carers, neighbours, or family know how to reach you and check on you.<\/li>\n
      2. Prepare for power outages.<\/strong>
        If you rely on powered medical equipment or refrigerated medicines, talk to your healthcare provider about backup options. Even having some paper-based medical forms and a few extra supplies on hand can make a difference.<\/li>\n
      3. Ask if you\u2019re on a \u2018Vulnerable Persons Register\u2019.<\/strong>
        This is a confidential list managed by councils and care providers to make sure people who need extra support aren\u2019t left behind. Your aged care provider, disability support worker, or local council can help you check if you\u2019re on it\u2014and if not, how to apply.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        What If You\u2019re a Carer?<\/h2>\n

        You\u2019re not forgotten. In fact, carers are seen as critical community connectors<\/em>. You know who needs help and how to reach them.<\/p>\n

        Things you can do:<\/p>\n