When emergencies strike: Wellthy's natural disaster care and support for families

Experts report that this could be one of the most intense hurricane and wildfire seasons on record. Already this year, we’ve seen torrential storms and hurricanes, and communities that are  reeling from the damage of tornadoes, flooding, and more.

When these emergencies strike, they damage infrastructure and wreak havoc on communities, severely disrupting the ability of caregivers to care for loved ones. Roads become impassable, communication lines are cut, and power outages can last for days or even weeks.

Amidst the devastation, caregivers are often left struggling to evacuate loved ones, navigate post-storm damage, and replace essential items like IDs. Additionally, ensuring that medications are filled becomes a daunting task, if not impossible, leaving families scrambling and overwhelmed during an already dangerous and fraught time.

The emotional toll, coupled with these physical barriers, can make an already challenging situation feel insurmountable. 

For nearly a decade, Wellthy has worked alongside families to make sure they have everything they need to get their care needs met—before, during, and after weather emergencies and disasters. Our team of Care Experts have helped families navigate hurricanes, flooding, snow and ice storms, earthquakes, wildfires, and more, taking complex tasks off of families’ plates during stressful moments.

That includes moments like Hurricane Beryl earlier this month, which had a serious impact on families in the Houston-area and beyond. Wellthy Care Manager Stefany Pettinger and a team of Care Coordinators and Care Advisers continue to support families who experienced significant damage and hardship in the wake of both Hurricane Beryl and other dangerous storms that hit the area earlier this year.  

 

“The Wellthy team was prepared to step in and help Houstonians prior to Hurricane Beryl making landfall. Then, throughout the storm, we continued to put together a robust database of community resources, shelters, food banks, cooling shelters, volunteer clean up organizations, and step-by-step directions to reach out to FEMA and other essential services,” says Pettinger.

 

Pettinger, and so many across Wellthy’s Care Team, have heard numerous stories from families about the aftermath of the storm and the complexity of caring for loved ones in the midst of an emergency or crisis. And it underscores the immediate value and impact Wellthy’s team of Care Coordinators and Advisers can have during challenging times

 

“During the first few days when Houstonians were without food, water, or gas—and in 100 degree temperatures—one mother with a newborn needed assistance because her breast milk had thawed in the freezer and she did not have formula available. Within hours, our team was able to find a center nearby that was giving away formula and diapers,” Pettinger added. “We also helped a nurse whose home was severely damaged, by getting her started with a FEMA claim. The following day, she called her Care Coordinator in tears, having spent the night in her car unable to find an available shelter or hotel. Her Coordinator quickly found a hotel with one vacancy and provided her with the contact information to make a reservation for the evening. ”

 

Across our Care Team, experts pair up with families and spring into action when disaster strikes. Here's a look at how Wellthy steps up for families, ensuring they have the necessary resources and assistance to be prepared ahead of storms, and navigate the effects of unforeseen weather, climate, or natural disaster.

Guiding families through the chaos

When a natural disaster strikes, the immediate priority is safety and stability. Wellthy steps in to help families at every step of the recovery and rebuilding journey, from locating local shelter options, hospitals, and essential relief programs available in their state to assisting in the aftermath. Our dedicated team is adept at navigating the chaos, providing guidance tailored to each family’s unique family care situation and needs.

Empowering decision-making

Knowledge is crucial during crises. Wellthy equips members with comprehensive information about available resources, empowering them to make informed decisions swiftly. Whether it's coordinating temporary housing solutions or connecting them with healthcare services, we ensure families have the support they need to manage the challenges effectively.

Personalized care, always

Every situation demands a personalized approach. At Wellthy, we work closely with families to understand their specific circumstances and provide tailored support accordingly. From accessing financial assistance to navigating insurance claims, our goal is to alleviate stress and streamline the recovery process for Wellthy members and their families.

A partner in resilience

Wellthy stands as a partner in your employees' journey through recovery and rebuilding. By offering comprehensive natural disaster support that goes beyond standard benefits, we demonstrate our commitment to helping you foster a supportive workplace culture where everyone can feel secure and supported during uncertain times.

At Wellthy, we're dedicated to weathering the storm together, providing support to help families navigate the aftermath of natural disasters, ensuring they emerge with resilience and care.