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Protecting the Elderly in Times of Disaster: The Critical Need for Comprehensive Disaster Planning and Exercise Design

Several issues relating to the inclusion of elderly populations and all those considered vulnerable, into planning and exercising of plans have been included in this discussion. It is both an ethical and moral imperative that we care for those who cannot care for themselves in times of crisis and disaster. Those caring for the vulnerable elderly must better prepare themselves, their facilities, and their organizations for disasters occurring from both natural and man-made causes. Recent disasters, planning efforts, and community exercises continue to highlight the planning and exercising needed in this area | Forum on Public Policy Protecting the Elderly in Times of Disaster The Critical Need for Comprehensive Disaster Planning and Exercise Design James C. Hagen Director of the Disaster Preparedness and Management Program Saint Xavier University Abstract Of vital concern internationally is the protection of one of our most vulnerable populations the elderly in times of disaster. This is especially true when the threat of disasters both man-made and natural is increasing. Recent disasters in the United States especially Hurricane Katrina have proven the inadequacy of current planning. It has been shown that 91 of long term care LTC health professionals and other providers felt ill-prepared to deal with public health emergencies and bioterrorism threats. Concern for the quality of life for LTC community residents and those elderly living at home must include intensive planning and preparation for emergencies disasters that would compromise the safety of these most at-risk loved ones. The optimal approach to improving the ability of LTC communities to respond lies in appropriate targeted and effective training concerning how to create exercise plans to respond to and recover from disasters. This work addresses major issues and challenges of disaster planning for the elderly. Suggestions are provided for concrete action and a there is a call for the LTC community to move forward in being included in future planning efforts and the exercising of these plans. Introduction Recent disasters in the United States especially Hurricane Katrina have proven the inadequacy of planning for the protection and safety of our vulnerable populations. The vulnerable or special populations can be categorized in many ways including those with physical disabilities who have cognitive impairment or mental illness who are incarcerated who speak English as a second language or not at all and who are elderly. This paper concerns primarily the elderly who live in congregate care settings including .