Assisting the Elderly With Disaster

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Communication Problems

Some older persons in shelters or in new surroundings may have difficulty

• Understanding family and friends.
• Talking to people or answering questions.

Normal age-related slowing of thinking, problems with seeing and hearing, and reduced ability to physically move because of illnesses or the effects of medications may cause this. Make sure that the elderly person has the eyeglasses they need and that their hearing aid is on before talking to them. Be patient and calm. Speak loudly enough for them to hear you, but do not shout. Keep your messages simple and clear. Repeat information and make sure that the person in your care hears and understands what is said.

Danger From Falls

Be aware that in unfamiliar settings, clutter and poor lighting could cause an elderly person to fall. Balance problems, muscle weakness, and medications can add to their risk of falling. Check new living quarters for anything that could lead to a fall, for example, loose throw rugs. Make sure stairs and hallways are well lit and provide walking assistance if needed.

Chronic Illness and Dietary Considerations

Arthritis may prevent an elderly family member from standing in line. Some medications can cause mental confusion or a greater susceptibility to problems such as dehydration. Memory problems can cause communication problems. Neglect of special meal needs in certain illnesses can lead to medical crises.

As soon as possible, make sure the elderly family member

• Has all of their medicines with them.
• Eats the foods require to manage their illnesses.
• Has written diet and medication information with them in case they are separated from you.
• Establishes contact with their medical care provider or that you help them find a new one and provide their medical history to the care provider.

At night, when nearby surroundings are not seen as well as in the day, some elderly with mild or moderate dementia or problems thinking clearly can become confused about where they are. You may need to orient them to time and place.

Make sure the elderly person has a clock and a calendar in their room. If you have any familiar things of theirs, place those in their room. Be sure that there is some soft, nonglaring light in their room and that it is as quiet and calm as possible. If you cannot reorient the elderly person to where they are and your efforts upset them, just reassure them or distract them with other activities.

Multiple Loss Effect

The elderly family member who may have lost their spouse, income, home, or physical capabilities may have difficulty “bouncing back” from their loss. Show empathy for the person’s situation by listening. Give comfort by your presence and let them know you are there and care for them. Do not minimize what they have lost.

Worries About Loss Of Independence

Loss of the ability to live independently because of disaster-related injury or loss of home can be the biggest blow that a disaster deals the elderly. Within the constraints of the situation, allow them to do what they can for themselves and keep as much dignity and independence as is possible.

“Welfare” Stigma and Unfamiliarity with Bureaucracy

Many older family members are unwilling to accept government “welfare” assistance because they have always “paid their way.” In a disaster, however, government help may be needed. Their unwillingness to accept help may be made worse by unfamiliarity with government services for which they are eligible, particularly during disasters.

If the person is reluctant to accept assistance, relate the assistance to a time when they helped someone in need or explain that this help comes from taxes they have paid.

Getting Too Hot Or Too Cold

Older person may not handle extremes of heat or cold well. Either too much heat or cold can have marked effects  upon them. This becomes critical in disasters that close down furnaces or air conditioners. Be aware of the need  to keep elderly family members out of extremes of heat and cold.

Dehydration

Elderly persons are more susceptible to dehydration. They do not feel thirsty as quickly as young people do and do not drink water and other liquids as often. Some of the medicine they take can also lead to water loss.

Check to make sure that your elderly relatives have access to safe, clean drinking water and that they are drinking it. Watch for signs of dehydration, such as sunken eyes, no tears, and dry mouth.