1、Disaster Preparedness for Caregivers:Ensuring Older Adults SafetyRickeah Henderson,MSW student1,Intern2&Allison Gibson,PhD,MSW,Associate Professor11.Saint Louis University,School of Social Work2.Department of Health and Senior Services What are disasters?Background:Older Adults Affected By Disaster
2、Older adults consistently have the highest rate of disaster-related deaths Older adults have the highest prevalence rates for:multiple chronic conditions limitations in activities of daily living(ADLs)instrumental activities of daily living(IADLs)social isolationPhoto credit:Patricia Fletcher,Hurric
3、ane Michael,2018STAGES OF DISASTERPreparednessResponseRecoveryStep 1Step 2Step 3STAGES OF DISASTERPreparednessAssessing unique needs and risk factors.Education on preparedness.Establishing support for the disaster plan.Step 1Step 2Step 3Organizational preparedness.Special needs registries.Community
4、planning.“DISASTER PREPAREDNESS”AN OXYMORON?If communities were prepared,we wouldnt call them disasters,would we?Still,the rapid increase in the number of both older adults and natural disasters(record numbers)necessitate action to mitigate catastrophic effects.A SLOW SHIFT IN THE STATUS QUOWorldwid
5、e,older adults consistently have the highest rate of disaster-related deaths relative to the general population Hurricane Katrina 2005:75%of fatalities were older adults(60 years and older)Sparked discussion among government agencies,non-profit organizations,relief workers,and medical and mental hea
6、lth workers on increasing disaster preparednessPRE-DISASTER RISK FACTORSSensory or cognitive impairment Physical decline Poor literacy Social isolation Financial vulnerabilityLow education VULNERABILITY PREVENTABILITYOlder adults have the highest prevalence rates for:multiple chronic conditionslimit