10:56am
| Title: | Hurricanes: Impact on Mental Health in an Elderly Population and Practical Suggestions for Their Preparation, Response and Recovery |
| Presenter: | Kathryn Hyer, PhD, John A. Schinka, PhD, and Lisa M. Brown, PhD |
| Type of Presentation: | Plenary Session |
| Date/Time: | Tuesday, Oct 18, 2005 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm |
| Abstract: | In the autumn of 2004, four hurricanes devastated Florida in a period of 44 days, resulting in a death toll of 126 individuals and $20+ billion in damages. This workshop reports the results from two research projects that examined hurricane planning, response, and recovery at an individual and long-term care systems level. The first study presents the mental health effects of Hurricane Charley on community-dwelling elderly adults living in Charlotte County. The second study reports the survey results of a questionnaire administered to nursing home and assisted living facility administrators and provides unique insight into the impact of the hurricanes on residents, staff, and interactions with emergency and regulatory agencies. This workshop provides an overview of individual and systems response to disaster that is useful for mental health service delivery, training, and support. |
| Goal: | To provide the participants with an understanding of the influence of social support, mental health status, and resources on preparation, response, and recovery from disaster. |
| Objective 1: | Participants will identify pre-morbid factors that are associated with psychological distress in older adults following a hurricane. |
| Objective 2: | Participants will describe factors related to risk for posttraumatic stress disorder and depression in older adults following a disaster. |
| Objective 3: | Participants will identify effective emergency preparedness regulations that help long-term care providers prepare for disasters. |
| Objective 4: | Participants will describe the impact of four hurricanes on the staff, residents and operation of Florida nursing homes and assisted living providers. |
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