JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Older adults comprise a substantial proportion of the U.S. population requiring support during disaster events. Previous research demonstrates older adults are resilient but deficient in disaster preparedness and lacking in community engagement. There is a gap in high quality research in this area.

Objective:

Our study aims to fill this gap by developing a four-phased intervention to improve mobility and balance, decrease fall risks (mitigation), increase knowledge of disaster preparedness (preparedness), improve community emergency operation plans (response), and improve self-efficacy in disaster recovery (recovery) for older adults.

Methods:

This is a community-based ten-month study in a large Midwestern urban/suburban location targeting community dwelling older adults. Four phases of interventions address mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, aspects improving outcomes from disaster events. Four to six one-hour seminars each month are provided to community dwelling older adults to improve disaster preparedness and recovery are provided to improve disaster preparedness and recovery planning. A critical incident packet with resources on essential information such as medications, a communication plan, evacuation resources, and supplies is reviewed and started. Surveys for pre intervention are orally given with research assistants aiding in any difficulties the participants have. After the surveys, two individual twenty-minute presentations separated by a short break for snacks and initial completion of their disaster plan preserves the older adult’s attention. Mitigation efforts to improve mobility and safety are offered with ten visits to the older adults’ residences, adapting physical activity and balance exercises to the individual’s needs. To address response needs: Emergency Operations Plans for two of the major cities are being and amended for specific functional needs and access guidelines. Measurements include accelerometers to assess improvement in mobility, fall risk assessments, an abbreviated FEMA Household Survey, Assessment for Disaster Engagement with Partners Tool, Brief Pain Inventory Assessment, and the General Self-Efficacy Scale. We analyze data descriptively and compare pre-post data for each phase with paired samples T test and other non-parametric techniques (proportion tests, Wilcoxon signed rank tests). Overarching objectives prioritized during this intervention include underscoring respect for the experience and resilience found in older adults and engaging them in specialized roles supporting their communities during disaster events.

Results:

The intervention began November 2023 and will conclude July 2025. Published study results can be expected in early 2025.

Conclusions:

With improved disaster preparedness, mobility, recovery planning, and inclusion as a resource in community disasters, older adults are expected to be safer and be able to age in place. If successful, future studies will focus on outreach and sustainability. This study will serve as a model for older adult disaster preparedness and community involvement. Clinical Trial: Not applicable