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Before the natural disaster: Planning and preparing tips for older adults
March 2010; Reviewed by Kathleen Olson, Extension Educator — Family Relations
Planning and preparing for a natural disaster such as a flood is likely something most older adults have been faced with before. They can certainly call upon their resilience, their experience and wisdom to help them through yet another flood. However, the aging process can make many older adults particularly vulnerable during a disaster especially if they have one or more chronic illnesses, functional limitations or dementia. Family members may need to be involved in helping their older family members to develop a plan and have the necessary items on hand should a disaster strike.
In addition to a basic emergency “kit,” there are additional preparation concerns for older adults. They need to make sure the kit includes medications, medical devices, oxygen, batteries for hearing aids, and lists of medications, doctors, pharmacies complete with phone numbers. The kit should also contain any special instructions for care or comfort should the older person not be able to provide that information themselves. It is also advisable to wear medical alert tags to assist emergency personnel.
If there are special health issues such as dialysis or other life sustaining treatment needed, older adults or family members will need to identify alternative facilities should they be needed. Some communities may have special needs shelters for those who need medical assistance and have no other place to go. They may require advance registration. Identify these and have information on how to contact them readily available.
All families should make a communication plan. Families should discuss how they will get in contact with each other and where they will meet should they become separated.
Create a plan to evacuate. Where will older adults go and how will they get there? Learning the locations of emergency shelters and directions is important. It may be hard for older adults to leave their homes and their possessions and go to a strange place. Ignoring an evacuation order may be dangerous. It may be better to evacuate while there is still time to accommodate mobility issues and getting needed equipment with the person rather than face an emergency evacuation which could be traumatic and chaotic. If there are pets in the home, alternate shelter may need to be arranged. Shelters do not normally take in pets unless they are service animals. If a service animal is in use, be sure to include food for the animal as part of an evacuation bag.
If an older family member is in a care facility in the disaster area, ask the facility about their disaster plans. Ask what emergency plans are in place? How does the facility define an emergency? How will families be notified if a patient is evacuated? Where will patients be taken?
With a disaster such as a flood, there is typically advance warning and days to prepare. There is also plenty of time to worry. Older adults may become upset and overly focused on the news reports surrounding the impending disaster. It is helpful for them to maintain their normal routines, meal patterns and sleeping habits as much as possible. Minimizing talk about the disaster or the watching of 24 hour new reports can be helpful. Finding activities to pass the time or other diversions can also be beneficial. Older adults may also want to provide assistance to others and finding ways for them to contribute to the efforts may ease some of the stress and helpless feelings.
Experiencing a natural disaster can be a traumatic event. Making plans and preparing for the worst can help to alleviate some of the stress involved and insure the health and safety of the older adult involved.
Sources
Benson, W. F. (n.d.) Disaster planning tips for older adults and their families. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Healthy Aging Program.
Wilken, C. S. (2005). Preparing for a disaster: Strategies for older adults. Publication #FCS9215. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida, IFAS Extension.
Wilken, C.S. (2005). Disaster planning tips for caregivers of the elderly and people with disabilities. Publication #FCS9216. Gainesville, FL: University of Florida, IFAS Extension.
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