This may also be reflected in an inappropriate attachment to specific items of property. This becomes more critical in disasters when furnaces and air conditioners may be unavailable or unserviceable. Other targeting by criminals may also develop. These issues need to be addressed in shelters and in housing arrangements. This is especially true for older women who had a spouse who dealt with these areas.
Many older persons have lower educational levels than the general population.
This may present difficulties in completion of applications or understanding directions. The resulting failure in communication could easily be further confused by the presence of authoritarian figures, such as police officers, who may increase the apprehension and confusion in the mind of the older person. A number of seniors speak languages other than English, and there is a critical need to be sensitive to language and cultural differences. This could mean older persons in this category will need special assistance in applying for disaster benefits. This may limit the opportunity to go to the Disaster Application Center, obtain goods or water, or relocate when necessary.