Weeks after Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, experts urge families to prepare seniors for emergencies

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Weeks after 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her home, families across the country are asking a difficult question: How do you protect elderly loved ones who live alone, especially when you live far away?

The disappearance of Guthrie, the mother of television journalist Savannah Guthrie, has shaken families nationwide and serves as a reminder that emergencies can happen without warning.

Safety experts say preparation before a crisis is critical.

“The first few minutes to the first few hours are really critical to an investigation of any kind,” said Cliff Lent, a safety expert with M7 Solutions.

Lent says one of the most important steps families can take is creating an emergency information folder. The folder should include a list of medications, medical conditions, emergency contacts, a recent photo and copies of identification. Lent says the folder should be kept in a consistent, visible place in the home.

“It’s just an ‘in case of an emergency’ folder at the ready,” Lent said. “Share it with people in your family that you know and trust. They know where to retrieve it from, and go over it annually.”

Law enforcement officials say when a senior goes missing, officers immediately ask for a recent photo, medical history, daily routines and vehicle information. Having that information readily available can help speed up a search.

Some families are also turning to technology to stay connected from miles away. Video doorbells, medical alert systems and fall detection devices can provide an added layer of security.

Lent recommends investing in hard-wired security cameras instead of Wi-Fi-enabled systems when possible.

“I recommend hard-wired cameras that cannot be jammed,” he said. “I’ve seen that locally, where car thieves are jamming Ring cameras or Wi-Fi-enabled cameras just so they can steal a car out of a driveway and not be detected.”

Lent also recommends, with their knowledge, putting a GPS-like tracker on an elderly loved ones shoes can also be beneficial to know where they’re at at all times.

“Sometimes, they don’t take a coat, or they don’t take their keys, but they’re always putting on their shoes.”

Experts say not all safety measures require high-tech solutions. Checking in on elderly neighbors and paying attention to daily routines can also make a difference.

“If they’re elderly, do a routine check once in a while,” Lent said. “Keep track of their habits, so you know what’s normal in their household so you can be of assistance — not intrusive, but be of assistance.”

Other recommendations include posting emergency contact information on the refrigerator — a place paramedics are trained to check — and considering medical alert bracelets.

For families who live far away, experts say regular communication is key. A daily phone call at the same time each day can quickly signal when something is not right.

“Touch base with your parents about their ‘in case of emergency folder’ and talk about it now — about why it’s important — before it becomes needed,” Lent said.

From medical emergencies to break-ins and other crises, experts say planning ahead can make all the difference.