Care of older persons during and after disasters: meeting the challenge (original) (raw)
Background: Older adults have greater vulnerability in disasters and public health emergencies. Aims: This article reviews the associated risk factors, issues in provision of care and methods of intervention reported in the literature, with an objective of improving the understanding that may help to systematize the care of the elderly in disaster situations. Method: Literature was searched in PubMed on themes of disaster, older persons and care and the available articles were reviewed for relevant content. Results: Older adults have increased morbidity and mortality secondary to disasters. Many factors contribute to this. A considerable proportion of older people have pre-existing physical and mental illnesses, disabilities and individual specific needs of care. Some of them are dependent on the health and social care systems, in nursing or old-age homes which requires additional and specific effort to meet their need. It becomes challenging to address these needs in the context of disasters, considering inadequate resources; and in fact many elderly people often do not seem to get the priority intervention they deserve. However there are many examples of systems, pre-disaster preparedness and action plans which focus on the care of elderly to improve the outcome and decrease the impact of disasters. With a coordinated disaster response with multidisciplinary agencies, the communities can help their elders effectively. Conclusion: Although the older adults are recognised as a vulnerable group, their needs are inadequately addressed in disaster situations. There is a need to prioritise their care in all phases of the disaster response to decrease the morbidity and mortality.
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