Disasters and emergencies can bring up emotions and challenges, especially for older adults. Some older adults have decades of resilience and wisdom, and others may feel overwhelmed by memories or physical limitations. Whether you’re a family member, friend, neighbour, volunteer, or community leader, your thoughtful support can help someone’s recovery after a disaster.
Things to consider about older adults
- Older adults and their needs may be overlooked during and after a disaster or emergency. Over time, the combination of health and family issues, money problems, and increased stress may lower their ability to cope.
- Coping styles vary. Some older adults heal through action like helping or doing things for others, while others may need quiet reflection and safe spaces.
- Past traumas may return. A wildfire might trigger memories of a childhood flood, or a power outage could bring memories of wartime blackouts.
- Older adults may be less likely to recognize or talk about their feelings. Instead, they might express emotional reactions to a disaster or emergency through physical aches and pains. Getting fresh air and taking part in enjoyable activities can improve emotional wellness.
- Older adults have varying skills and abilities, and their needs will differ. Consider the person and their abilities, rather than their age.
Some older adults may need additional help after a crisis. Watch if they:
- have memory problems like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
- are living with a chronic illness or disability due to mental illness, like schizophrenia, anxiety, or depression
- rely on daily medicine or health treatments like oxygen or dialysis to manage chronic conditions
- struggle with things like mobility, balance, vision, or hearing and need help with everyday tasks
- live alone, can’t move around easily, or don’t have a nearby circle of family, friends, community connections, or a care support network
- have hearing or vision loss that makes audio alerts and small-print notices hard to understand
- don’t have, or aren’t comfortable using, digital tools like smartphones, email, and social media alerts
- have cognitive or memory changes that can cause confusion when instructions or routines change
If you notice any of these factors, even if they are subtle, check in more often, provide offers of help, and create backup plans for things that older adults might need.
Supporting older adults after a disaster or emergency
Volunteer opportunities
Many older adults have the knowledge and life experience to help others cope. They can be great volunteers. It’s important that older adults are welcomed and know about opportunities to participate in relief efforts like passing out meals, creating comfort kits, or mentoring peers on technology. Volunteering is a good way for older adults to feel more connected to communities and to make new friends.
Financial information and relief application forms
Relief forms can be confusing and hard to complete. Offer help to fill out applications. Some older adults may not be comfortable receiving financial support. Take the time to explain that support is available to anyone who is affected by a disaster or emergency.
Transportation concerns
Some older adults don’t own a car or cannot drive. When possible, do the driving, arrange rides for errands, medical appointments, or social visits, or help with public transportation if it’s available.
Rebuilding
Support older adults to make their own decisions about rebuilding or relocating. For some, the thought of rebuilding may be overwhelming or it may not be an option. Help develop a plan that is appropriate under the circumstances. Respect them and let them take their time making decisions. Ask if they’d like help with options. Do this without pressure.
Scam concerns
Older adults are at a greater risk for abuse related to scams or cons. Talk to them about it and share some fake “disaster relief grants”, contractor fraud, and phishing texts. Encourage them to verify calls and door-to-door offers with a trusted friend or agency.
Daily needs
Make sure that older adults have the supplies and equipment they need for daily living after the disaster or emergency, like their glasses, hearing aids, dentures, and walking aids (like canes or walkers).
Make sure they have the medicine they need to support their wellness. It’s important that all medicine is taken only as directed by a family doctor or healthcare provider. Watch for over-using and under-using medicines.
Pets
Older adults may worry about their pets. Make sure that all pets receive support and care after the disaster or emergency. If needed, help arrange pet-friendly shelters, temporary fosters, or supply runs for food and litter. Ensure pets have familiar toys and items to help them through recovery too.
Support the well-being of older adults
- Take the time to actively listen. Sit quietly, listen, and reflect back what they say.
- Provide comfort and a safe environment.
- Focus on their strengths and abilities.
- Help older adults stay connected. Reconnect them with their peer and community supports as soon as possible. Friends and community groups are important.
- Provide accurate, up-to-date information in their preferred format, like large print, recorded messages, or face-to-face chats. This is particularly important for older adults living in temporary housing.
- Allow time for grief and healing. When ready, encourage speaking openly about their thoughts, feelings, fears, or worries.
Keep routines where possible
Changes in daily routines caused by disasters or emergencies may result in increased stress, coping issues, confusion, unhappiness, and anxiety in older adults—particularly for those who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
To help reduce stress and improve emotional health, try to limit disruptions and re-establish routines that include social and physical activities as quickly as possible. Socializing with family and friends can help older adults regain a sense of hope and optimism about the future.
Older adults don’t have to go through a disaster or emergency alone. Encourage gradual social reconnection, doing things they like and used to do.
Signs of stress to watch for
Signs of stress are common after a disaster or emergency but get better with time.
Physical or behavioural
- moodiness or crying easily
- headaches
- disoriented or confused
- stomach problems
- trouble concentrating or paying attention
- appetite changes
- wandering or calling out
- incontinence (unable to control when you pee or poo)
- vision problems, like tunnel vision
- changes in sleep
- hearing problems, like muffled hearing
- increased use or misuse of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
Emotional
- feeling hopeless or helpless
- constantly thinking about the disaster or emergency
- feeling tired, lack of energy, or lack of motivation
- having flashbacks to the disaster or emergency
- feeling worried or frustrated
- staying away from people or things that they normally like
- feeling depressed or down
- feeling guilt, disappointment, or shame
- thoughts of self-harm or harm to others
- anger
Responding to signs of stress
If you notice mild to moderate changes in the behaviour or physical health of an older adult after a disaster or emergency, check in on them more often and involve social supports. Encourage them to speak to their healthcare provider if needed. Mild to moderate changes may only be temporary and are linked to emotional well-being and the ability to cope after a disaster or emergency event. Offering support can prevent things from getting worse.
If you’re caring for an older adult and notice changes in memory, behaviour, or usual routines, talk to a healthcare provider or call Health Link at 811.
Older adults who are feeling disoriented, confused, or have lost a sense of hope, purpose or the willingness to move forward on most days for longer than two weeks, should be checked for depression.
Suicide can be a risk for some older adults. Talking about not wanting to live is not the same as having plans for suicide. If someone tells you they are not wanting to live anymore, ask if they have any plans for suicide. If they do have plans, ask if they have a way to do it. Asking this question won’t increase their risk of doing it. If they do have plans and a way to do it, get help. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Moving forward
- Create a personalized emergency plan, with information about escape routes, contact information, and plans for pets.
- Have older adults connect with available local resources, or help them to make those connections.
- Encourage a family or neighbour “buddy system” for regular wellness checks.
