Geriatric Mental Health Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

Chapter 5 National and Cross-National Models of Geriatric Disaster 101
communication is a central feature. In addition, a research project recently
funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council
of Canada (SSHRC), titled Seniors and Emergency Preparedness: Applying
a Senior-Friendly Lens to Emergency Planning in Canada , addresses
this issue (principal investigator M. Kloseck, personal communication,
November 2008).
As a complement to building capacity at the community level, it is
critical that Canada continue to make steady progress in DM education.
A higher-education strategy that supports program development, while
avoiding duplication, is needed. The continuum of course and program
offerings under development is an excellent approach and will permit increased
access and flexibility for beginning students and practitioners
interested in upgrading or formalizing their credentials. Enhancing portability
and laddering between the various programs will be the next
important step for educators who wish to support students and the development
of this rapidly evolving profession. An admirable job has been
done surveying disaster management curriculae across the country. Identifying
the precise content and curriculum gaps related to the geriatric population
is another necessary step to improve DM programs in Canada.
CONCLUSION
Canadians are working to strengthen their capacity to respond to disaster
situations. Current research, education, and policy initiatives are helping
build disaster management capacity for older persons. While trends are
moving in the right direction, recent Canadian studies and results from
key informant interviews support the critical need for strong partnerships
between government, community, and volunteer organizations. Further,
the consequences of disasters—including mental health consequences—
need to be studied in a holistic, comprehensive manner, bringing together
researchers; health, mental health, social service, and community organizations;
and older persons themselves.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We extend our thanks to those experts who participated in interviews for
this chapter, including the following:
Wayne Dauphinee—consultant, Health Emergency Management Unit,
BC Ministry of Health Services