Addressing the imbalance: empowering older people in disaster response and preparedness

Abstract

Deeny P., Vitale C.T., Spelman R. & Duggan S. (2010) Addressing the imbalance: empowering older people in disaster response and preparedness. International Journal of Older People Nursing 5 , 77–80 doi: 10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2009.00204.x This paper explores the role of the nurse in empowering older people at all stages in the disaster cycle. Evidence points to the need to increase the level of consultation and inclusivity of older people on this topic. Caution is called for in relation to classifying older people as a vulnerable group in disasters without first recognising that older people are probably the richest resource within any culture when it comes to emergency planning and\or coping with disasters. Practical advice on how nurses can best assist older people is presented.