In an age of increased security concerns, natural disasters and other threatening situations, it is important to be prepared in the face of a crisis. This preparedness is especially important in regarding the nation's elderly population, as additional precautions must be taken to keep those in eldercare communities safe and protected.

As outlined in a 2000 report conducted by the National Academy for State Health Policy, 910,000 people live in assisted living communities.¹ According to the 2000 U.S. Census, nearly four million people require assistance for activities of daily life including eating, bathing and dressing. Of this country's population, nearly 1.5 million people use wheelchairs.² While not all of the individuals included in these numbers are residents in eldercare communities, the large numbers are indicative of the importance of preparing for the unique needs of the elderly in the case of an emergency.

Because of special considerations associated with eldercare residents, attention must be paid to every aspect of a preparedness plan. Anxiety regarding personal safety is markedly higher for those needing special consideration as opposed to the anxiety levels of those without disabilities or other considerations. This places considerable emphasis on keeping residents informed and reassured before, during and after an emergency.

Experts suggest dealing with an emergency preparedness in three phases: preparation, evacuation and protection, and recovery. First, and most importantly, the preparation phase sets the tone for the implementation of a plan during and after an emergency. Preparation can include an outreach effort in which eldercare professionals, emergency experts and residents discuss how to best prepare for a disaster, as well as the creation of emergency warnings and notifications. Central to the preparation phase is the identification of the people immediately benefiting from the plan. Their unique needs will dictate how the plan is both created and executed. In the preparation phase, administrators must summarize risks present at a community and try to anticipate any potential problems in the emergency plan.

Secondly, an emergency preparedness plan must address the evacuation and protection phase of a crisis situation. This phase is implemented during an emergency and focuses on the quick relay of information and instruction. The second phase is hugely reliant on your advance preparation. Because an emergency situation often raises levels of panic, it is important to address most issues of evacuation during the preparation phases of planning. Evacuation routes should be well thought out and must allow for residents with mobility challenges. By planning and practicing evacuation procedures, communities can identify and address potential problems in advance, contributing to a much smoother evacuation process should an urgent situation arise.

Just as important as the planning and evacuation processes is the recovery process that follows an emergency. Administrators should be aware that this phase is usually the longest and most difficult aspect of an emergency preparedness plan. Urgent situations can limit access to nurses, transportation, aides and medications, disrupting the routines of eldercare residents. Plans must include alternative suppliers of necessary equipment and services. Emergency situations can also be emotionally taxing and a recovery plan should include counseling or other opportunities for residents to talk about the event and feelings associated with it.

In all three stages, effective communication is vital to the success of an emergency preparedness plan. Communication between the plan's creators as well as between creators and residents is necessary to ensure a successful implementation of an emergency plan.

When considering the special circumstances of those in eldercare communities, it is imperative to plan for emergency situations. Through comprehensive planning and closely following procedures during and after an emergency, the safety and well-being of your residents can be protected.

1. National Academy for State Health Policy Biennial Survey of Assisted Living and Board-and-Care Policies 2000, www.nashp.org
2. U.S. Census Bureau year 2000, www.census.gov

Emergency Preparedness Checklist

In the event of an emergency, the following are necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of your residents.

• Nonperishable packaged or canned foods to last between 3-7 days
• Portable ice and water carriers to ensure residents' hydration - To meet hydration requirements, you need to provide 7 lbs. of ice per resident, and 2 lbs. per staff member per day.
• Hygiene essentials including toilet paper, sanitizing wipes and PVC commodes
• Emergency medical kit
• Flashlights, batteries, weather radios and other emergency tools
• Cleaning products such as paper towels, waste receptacles and disinfectant products
• Oscillating fans, cushions and wheelchairs to ensure resident comfort

Key Links

American Red Cross
Federal Emergency Management Agency
National Center for Emergency Planning for People with Disabilities

Key Products Available Through Direct Supply

Evacuation Plans

A professionally drawn evacuation plan can be a substantial part of your Life Safety Plan and allow you to comply with fire regulations and identify emergency information. Order extra copies to use for census records, marketing packages and employee training.

Marquis Message Holders

• Create a professional image by eliminating taped-up signs
• Ideal for evacuation plans, schedules, policies, messages or any information that needs to be communicated to residents, visitors and staff
• Features a removable carrier for you to mount paper on and to assist in easy loading and unloading of your information

Deluxe PVC Ice Carts

• Insulated 36-quart cooler holds 36 lbs. of ice
• Built-in bottom drain empties melted ice into the included bucket for easy cleanup
• Separate holder keeps the included scoop sanitary and out of the cooler when not in use
• Handy cup ledge keeps cups easily at hand during serving
• Two roomy shelves hold beverages, napkins and anything else you might need
• Textilene® skirt detaches easily with Velcro®
• 4" casters (two locking)
• Smooth finish won't harbor bacteria

Motorola Walkie Talkies

• Designed for everyday commercial use
• Meets military standards for high resistance to moisture, dust and shock resistance
• Operates on UHF and VHF frequencies reserved by the FCC for commercial use
• Audio accessory jack permits use with headsets for greater privacy or use in noisy environments
• Includes a rechargeable NiMH battery, drop-in charger, quick-release swivel belt clip and user guide
• XU models have 56 user selectable UHF frequencies for superior penetration in and around buildings
• XV models contain 27 selectable frequencies and work best outdoors in line-of-sight applications or in structures made mostly of wood
• AA batteries can also be used as an emergency backup power source
• 1-year limited warranty

Article Submitted by:
Ray Miller, Director of Risk Management, Direct Supply, an AAHSA Group Purchasing Partner