Disaster Preparedness Of Older Adult Population

There are several risk factors and age groups to consider when preparing for a disaster. Though some areas have procedures to follow in the event of a disaster, the preparedness is limited for the older adult population due to their medical conditions and physical abilities. These conditions require additional needs to be considered in order to maintain safety.

Geriatric Risk Factors

According to Kang, “About 80% of older adults have at least one chronic condition that makes them more vulnerable than healthy people during a disaster”. These conditions include but are not limited to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive impairments as a result of aging. Each of those typically have a need for a routine medication, which is not readily available in the event of a disaster because of limited resources. Because these physiological needs are not being met, older adults are at risk for suffering an increase in events such as heart attacks and strokes. A lack of medical equipment and resources poses a great threat to this population during disasters.

Geriatric Facilities

An especially vulnerable population would be geriatric residents of nursing home facilities. In the event of disasters, evacuation orders are often placed in order to prevent devastation and loss, but nursing home residents are especially difficult to transport. While there are emergency preparedness plans in place for older adult care facilities, several factors prevent successful implementation. According to Lane and McGrady, factors such as “inadequate amounts and types of medication”, “unavailable transportation”, and “lack of collaboration between nursing homes and emergency officials” create barriers to safe and effective care of geriatric patients during disaster.

Recommendations

Because lack of available resources appears to create the most significant problem when preparing older adults for disasters, more research should be done in order to find ways to improve outcomes. Lane and McGrady conclude, “Successful emergency response depends on a health care facility’s comprehensive emergency preparedness plan and their ability to execute it successfully in the context of overall community response, ” (Lane & McGrady, 2016). Additional training should be required for geriatric nursing facilities in order to improve outcomes in the event of a disaster.

Conclusion

Older adults are limited in care when it comes to disaster preparedness. Medical needs and equipment for the geriatric population should be considered in all emergency needs in order to increase rates of survival. Their physical state should not limit or exclude them from being provided safe care.