Caring for older adults with dementia when disaster strikes.
Diseaser emergencies are occurring with seemingly increased frequency. The likelihood that gerontological nurse will be involved in a disaster scenario, regardless of practices setting, is real. Instead of recoiling from this likelihood, the best approach is preparedness. In this article we examine what constitutes a disaster and how it differs from an emergency, as well as the potential impact of disaster on older adults in general and those with dementia in particular. Concepts of sheltering in plac, caring for older adults with dementia in a temporary shelter, and partnering with nurses in acute care settings are discussed.
Adelman
Deborah S
DS
Nursing Department, State University of New York, New York, USA.
Legg
Timothy J
TJ
D000368:Aged; D003704:Dementia; D004189:Disaster Planning; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D012112:Residential Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States; D035862:Vulnerable Populations