Psychosocial Issues for Older Adults in Disasters

All material appearing in this volume, except quoted passages from copyrighted sources, is in the public domain and may be reproduced or copied without the permission from the Administration or the authors. Citation of the source is appreciated. iii " Senior citizens today are a sturdy, reliable generation. We've proven time and again our ability to survive everything from the Great Depression to world wars and the threat of nuclear holocaust. We've lived through droughts, floods, and all sorts of other natural disasters. We've given birth, supported our families, and stood by our loved ones through personal and financial losses. We are proud, tough, and resilient. " " Voices of Wisdom: Seniors Cope with Disaster " Videotape Project COPE, 1992 vii T he development of this publication reflects a new and important partnership between the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) and The National Council on the Aging (NCOA), in bringing an important resource to communities to improve crisis counseling services to older adults following disaster. Since its founding in 1950, NCOA has sounded two fundamental themes: first, we must recognize that new needs take shape as older populations continue their dramatic rise in numbers and years; second, we must recognize that the longevity revolution makes it essential that we tap the vitality and strengths of our older generations for the good of aging individuals and for our entire society. Response to disaster raises similar themes. We must acknowledge that certain vulnerabilities exist among many elders and that these vulner-abilities are likely to intensify at times of disaster and during the often lengthy recovery process. Since 1974, CMHS, and its predecessor agency, the National Institute of Mental Health, has administered the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program, in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which provides supplemental funding to States for short-term crisis counseling services to victims of Presidentially declared disasters. The types of crisis counseling services provided under the program include outreach, education, community networking and consultation, public information and referral, and individual and group counseling. Tailoring these services, with specialized disaster mental health interventions and strategies, to meet the needs of special populations such as the older population is the primary focus of the Crisis Counseling Program. This year the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program marks its twenty-fifth anniversary. One of the lessons learned over the years is the resiliency of disaster victims, especially older adults. …