We Can Do Better: Lessons Learned for Protecting Older Persons in Disasters

It is estimated that about 1,330 people died as a consequence of Hurricane Katrina. Many of those who were killed were elderly. Most of the people died in their homes or communities. But at least 68 people were found dead in nursing homes, allegedly abandoned by their caretakers. For the elderly individuals who survived the hurricane, the emergency response was not sufficient, and many of these people were displaced inappropriately, and had marked deterioration in function and health. This report describes an AARP forum that took place on December 1, 2005. The report focuses on the following issues relating to older people in communities and nursing homes: (1) planning and communications; (2) identification of who will need help and what kind of help (including tracking, registries, and medication); and (3) evacuation of older people (including transportation and shelters that accommodate people with special needs).