Geriatric Mental Health Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

Chapter 9 Volunteers 167
nizations often fail to see or understand the needs and contributions of
older people during disasters (Gibson & Hayunga). The study also found
that older people fight a losing a battle in the competition for resources;
in the chaos of emergencies, older people are physically less able to struggle
for food or travel far to find relief. Additionally, the findings showed
there is an almost universal lack of consultation from older community
members in developing emergency plans (Gibson & Hayunga).
Having older people assist with community preparedness would help
emergency workers gain a better understanding of the physical, social,
environmental, and economic factors contributing to the vulnerability
of older people (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2008). Disasters can
be particularly traumatic for older persons, especially those with serious
physical, cognitive, or psychosocial problems (Rosenkoetter, Covan, Cobb,
Bunting, & Weinrich, 2007). Poor health not only affects older persons’
ability to evacuate but also increases their risk for illness-related complications
during and after a disaster (Rosenkoetter, et al.). A key finding
from the Harris Interactive survey conducted for AARP in November
2005 indicated that about 13 million people over age 50 say they would
require help to evacuate (Gibson & Hayunga, 2006). Yet until recently,
emergency organizations did not have specific plans to accommodate
older people during and after disasters.
One finding in the study conducted by the International Longevity
Center–USA following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks was that
first responder organizations—such as the Office of Emergency Management,
the American Red Cross, and FEMA— did not have specific plans
to identify, evacuate, and provide services to older and disabled people
during emergencies (O’Brien, 2003). Older people have specific needs—
related to health, nutrition, and access to essential services —that are
seldom given due consideration in disaster response programs (Help-
Age International, 2007). Because older persons have unique needs,
modifying disaster responses to meet those specific needs is essential
(Rosenkoetter, et al., 2007).
Several studies have indicated that special populations have unique
needs that must continue to be met during and after disasters (Glass,
2001). Recent disasters such as hurricanes Katrina and Rita reemphasized
the need for effective preparedness for older persons (Rosenkoetter,
et al., 2007). Yet older people are generally excluded from emergency
planning and programs. Engaging older people in emergency planning
will help ensure their distinct needs are identified and integrated into
assessment and planning (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2008).