Disaster Preparedness Intervention for Older Adults (Seniors’ Positive Involvement in Community Emergencies): Protocol for a Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: White-Lewis Sharon , Lightner Joseph , Crowley Julia , Grimes Amanda , Spears Kathleen , Chesnut Steven 
Published: September 2024

Background

Older adults comprise a substantial proportion of the US population requiring support during disaster events. Previous research demonstrates that older adults are resilient but deficient in disaster preparedness and lacking in community engagement. There is a gap in high-quality research in this area.

Objective

This study aims to fill this gap by developing a 4-phase intervention to improve mobility and balance, decrease fall risks (mitigation), increase knowledge of disaster preparedness (preparedness), improve community emergency operation plans (response), and improve self-efficacy in disaster recovery (recovery) for older adults.

Methods

This is a community-based, 10-month study in a large Midwestern urban and suburban location targeting community-dwelling older adults. The 4 phases of interventions address mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery—aspects improving outcomes from disaster events. In total, 4 to 6 one-hour seminars each month are provided to community-dwelling older adults to improve disaster preparedness and recovery planning. A critical incident packet with resources on essential information such as medications, a communication plan, evacuation resources, and supplies was started and is being reviewed. Preintervention surveys are orally given, with research assistants aiding in any difficulties the participants have. After the surveys, 2 individual 20-minute presentations separated by a short break for snacks and initial completion of their disaster plan preserve the older adult’s attention. Mitigation efforts to improve mobility and safety are offered with 10 visits to the older adults’ residences, adapting physical activity and balance exercises to the individual’s needs. To address response needs, the emergency operations plans for 2 of the major cities are being amended for specific functional needs and access guidelines. Measurements include accelerometers to assess improvement in mobility, fall risk assessments, an abbreviated Federal Emergency Management Association Household Survey, an assessment for disaster engagement with partners tool, a brief pain inventory assessment, and the General Self-Efficacy Scale. We analyze data descriptively and compare pre- and postintervention data for each phase with paired-samples t test and other nonparametric techniques (proportion tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests). Overarching objectives prioritized during this intervention include underscoring respect for the experience and resilience found in older adults and engaging them in specialized roles to support their communities during disaster events.

Results

The intervention was funded in July 2023; enrollment began in November 2023 and is continuing. We will conclude data collection by July 2025. Published study results can be expected in early 2025.

Conclusions

With improved disaster preparedness, mobility, recovery planning, and inclusion as a resource in community disasters, older adults are expected to be safer and be able to age in place. If successful, future studies will focus on outreach and sustainability. This study will serve as a model for older adult disaster preparedness and community involvement.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/58895