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Psychosocial Issues for Older Adults in Disasters
(Beginning to Intermediate Level)
Developed by: This publication was produced by the Emergency Services and Disaster Relief Branch, Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Portland Ridley served as CMHS publications and editorial coordinator.
8 Credit CE Course - $28 to complete post-test and receive 8 CE credits. Manual can be downloaded at no charge.
This publication is intended to provide disaster mental health and human service workers, service providers, program planners, administrators, as well as care givers, and older persons themselves with the tools and knowledge to appropriately respond to the needs of older adults in times of disaster. We also hope that this guide will provide a better understanding of the strengths and contributions of the older population and how best to use their experience and wisdom in disaster mental health response and recovery efforts.
This manual covers:
- CHAPTER ONE: THE NATURE OF DISASTERS AND RESPONSE TO THEM
- CHAPTER TWO: WHO ARE "THE ELDERLY"
- Who Is "Old"?
- What Is Aging?
- Aging as a Developmental Stage
- But, Disability Does Rise with Age
- Aging and Mental Health
- CHAPTER THREE: OLDER PERSONS IN DISASTERS
- Special Concerns
- Normal Behaviors Modified During Stress
- Working with Older Persons in Disaster
- Working with the "Aging Network"
- Working with Coalitions
- Working with Families
- Time Lines for Recovery
- In the Aftermath
- Identifying and Fighting Myths
Download and read this manual at no charge.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
- Understand the ways that disaster mental health services differ from traditional practice patterns.
- Learn the obstacles that the elderly face when confronted with disaster.
- Learn about the different organizations available to help the elderly.
- Prepare yourself to work within a highly structured governmental network.
- Prepare yourself to work with the elderly.
- Learn the phases of disaster and techniques that are useful during each phase.
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