Prepare for the worst: Challenges long-term care facilities face when disaster strikes.
Objectives: To research and address the challenges long-term care facilities (LTCFs) may face when dealing with in the event of a disaster of any kind. Analyze how prepared a facility should be in anticipation of any kind of disaster. I have found that there are four different stages to prepare for a disaster; prevention, planning, response and, recovery. There are various types of LTCFs, based on the patient population and services provided, include nursing homes, long-term acute care facilities, psychiatric institutions, foster and group homes, retirement homes, and rehabilitation centers. These facilities also face challenges with lack of resources post disaster through state and local government and communities.
Disasters can strike anywhere at any time. LTCF residence are recognized to be the most vulnerable groups of people who are less likely to have their needs addressed during disasters due to the complexity of their needs a majority of LTCFs are nursing homes that house elderly and chronically ill these individuals at a higher risk for infection. The received care can be compromised due to physical and mental health as well as their dependence on facility staff. Post disaster ultimately, could cause death sooner than anticipated or produce long term distress from limitations in the systems of care to adequately provide needed services and treatments necessary for these patients and residence both during and after a disaster.
Disasters can be classified as natural, human-made, or as a pandemic, an infectious disease that spreads. Examples of natural disasters can include tornados, flooding, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Human-made disasters technological accidents, nuclear accident, and intentional acts of terrorism, like the September 11th attacks in the United States. Infectious disease, can include cholera, AIDS, smallpox, and flu, all can result in devastating consequences at the personal and societal levels. There is generally, four
Disasters can strike anywhere at any time. LTCF residence are recognized to be the most vulnerable groups of people who are less likely to have their needs addressed during disasters due to the complexity of their needs a majority of LTCFs are nursing homes that house elderly and chronically ill these individuals at a higher risk for infection. The received care can be compromised due to physical and mental health as well as their dependence on facility staff. Post disaster ultimately, could cause death sooner than anticipated or produce long term distress from limitations in the systems of care to adequately provide needed services and treatments necessary for these patients and residence both during and after a disaster.
Disasters can be classified as natural, human-made, or as a pandemic, an infectious disease that spreads. Examples of natural disasters can include tornados, flooding, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Human-made disasters technological accidents, nuclear accident, and intentional acts of terrorism, like the September 11th attacks in the United States. Infectious disease, can include cholera, AIDS, smallpox, and flu, all can result in devastating consequences at the personal and societal levels. There is generally, four
References: Barney, C. E., Roush, R. E., Barney, C., & Roush, R. (2009). Emergency preparedness and response considerations for the geriatric populations. Texas Public Health Journal, 61(4), 39-41. Retrieved from: Academic Search Complete. Castro, C., Persson, D., Bergstrom, N., & Cron, S. (2008). Surviving the storms: emergency preparedness in Texas nursing facilities and assisted living facilities. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 34(8), 9-16. Retrieved from: CINAHL Complete. Covan, E., & Fugate-Whitlock, E. (2010). Emergency planning and long-term care: Least paid, least powerful, most responsible. Health Care for Women International, 31(11), 1028-1043. doi:10.1080/07399332.2010.500943 Frahm, K., Brown, L., & Gibson, M. (2011). THE IMPORTANCE OF END-OF-LIFE CARE IN NURSING HOME SETTINGS IS NOT DIMINISHED BY A DISASTER. Omega-Journal of Death and Dying, 64(2), 143-155. Social Retrieved from: Sciences Citation Index. Jacie C., V., Terri, R., Steve, H., Sharon, A., Barbara, R., & William, W. (n.d). Major article: Infection prevention disaster preparedness planning for long-term care facilities. AJIC: American Journal of Infection Control, 40206-210. doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2011.03.029 Rhoads, J., & Clayman, A. (2008). Learning from Katrina: preparing long-term care facilities for disasters. Geriatric Nursing, 29(4), 253-258. Retrieved from: CINAHL Complete.