Since 1995, flooding, earthquakes and weather-related disasters around the world have killed almost a million people. Regardless of the type of disaster, older adults are disproportionately affected. Emergency-preparedness training for healthcare professionals caring for elders is imperative. In this article, Robert E. Roush provides the keys to help organizations and professionals develop consistent and effective plans for geriatric emergency preparedness and response. Read More >>

As we watch media reports about natural disasters, we often are puzzled to learn of older people who do not want to leave their homes despite the threats posed by the elements. Patrick Arbore argues that criticizing these elders is all too easy when we fail to consider the complex mix of psychological, social and practical factors motivating their behavior. By understanding these factors, healthcare professionals can work with community leaders and government agencies to enhance the safety and security of older adults who are at risk. Read More >>

Charles Cefalu is a professor and chief of the Section of Geriatric Medicine at the Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans. In this interview with Moira Fordyce, he offers his professional and personal perspectives as a geriatrician who survived Hurricane Katrina, the massive storm that devastated Louisiana in August 2005. Based on his own direct experience, Cefalu offers disaster-response suggestions for healthcare professionals and policymakers. Read More >>

Disaster preparedness efforts have traditionally neglected long-term care communities. James Hagen describes how to conduct a hazard vulnerability assessment to determine your organization’s risk for natural, man-made and terrorism-related disasters and how to catalog your resources so you’ll be ready to address the unique needs of older adults should such an event should occur. Read More >>

“Whether we are contemplating the possibility of West Coast fires, Southeastern hurricanes or Midwestern tornados, we all need to make a New Year’s resolution to have a disaster preparedness plan,” writes HAN chair Monika White. A key venue for learning about this and myriad other topics of importance to healthcare professionals is the Aging in America Conference, coming up in March in Washington, D.C. Monika gives us a preview of this premier event for training and networking in the field of aging. Read More >>