The Visiting Nurse Service of New York's Response to Hurricane Sandy

Disaster vulnerability of elderly and medically frail populations

“…In 2012, the East Coast suffered the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Sandy, paralyzing home-based medical care services because of transportation issues, fuel shortages and lack of electricity (Christopher & Goldstein, 2014;Plan NYC, 2013;Trento & Allen, 2014). In New York City, thousands of elderly and medically frail residents were trapped on the upper floors of high-rise buildings for days, often without functioning plumbing (Manuel, 2013).…”

“…Individuals may choose to stay home instead of endure the shelter conditions. Benson, 2007;Christopher & Goldstein, 2014;HelpAge International, 2012;Powell et al, 2009;Zakour, 2015 Condition of home: Older people tend to live in older homes of low structural quality because they lack means to make storm-resilient improvements.…”

“…Most people do not want to leave their pets or service animals behind (Benson, 2007;Thompson et al, 2014). Resistance to evacuation may be due to lack of trust or confidence in scientific or political authorities (Abramson et al, 2015b), and the ability of shelters to meet their health needs (Christopher & Goldstein, 2014). Individuals may not evacuate because they feel that asking for evacuation assistance would place responders at risk .…”

“…Locating vulnerable community members can be achieved by seeking the assistance of providers and organizations involved in the routine care of these individuals, such as dialysis centers, senior centers, home delivery of meals organizations, home healthcare programs, ambulance companies, church-based service groups, retirement community managers, insurance companies and utility companies who have lists of life support equipment customers (Cherniack et al, 2008;Christopher & Goldstein, 2014;Clay et al, 2014;DeSalvo et al, 2014;Fernandez et al, 2002;True et al, 2013). If sharing client information is against policy, public health nurses can emphasize the responsibility of social service agencies to prepare their clients before disaster and continue their services immediately after the disaster (Colten et al, 2008;Lamb et al, 2008).…”

“…Protection of the elderly and the medically frail is an interdisciplinary responsibility, with collaboration needed among public health, emergency management, healthcare and community-and faith-based organizations (Benson, 2007;Christopher & Goldstein, 2014;DeVos, 2011;Smith & Anderscavage, 2011;Trento & Allen, 2014;. Elderly and medically frail individuals also need to be on the team because they will contribute valuable information about meeting their needs for emergency planning and response decisions (Benson, 2007;DeSalvo et al, 2014;HelpAge International, 1999Henderson et al, 2010;Jones, 2010;Powell et al, 2009;Rooney & White, 2007;.…”