Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

Books | Tips and Guides | Reports and Presentations

Books

AARP. (2006). We can do better: Lessons learned for protecting older persons in disasters. Retrieved January 30, 2009, from http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/il/better.pdf [PDF - 120 KB] 

This 88-page book from AARP includes information regarding preparing for and coping with disaster. It covers topics related to preparedness, insurance, coping strategies, and State resources.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (1999). Psychosocial issues for older adults in disasters (DHHS Publication No. SMA 99-3323). Rockville, MD: Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

This book is designed for communities to improve crisis counseling services to older adults following a disaster.

Electronic copies may be downloaded at http://store.samhsa.gov/product/SMA99-3323.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2003). Get connected! Linking older adults with medication, alcohol, and mental health resources (DHHS Publication No. SMA 03-3824). Rockville, MD: Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

This book is designed to help service providers promote health and education and provide screening and referral for mental health problems and misuse of alcohol and medications in the older adult population. It includes a coordinator's guide and program support materials, such as curricula, fact sheets, handouts, forms, and resources.

Electronic copies may be downloaded at http://store.samhsa.gov/product/SMA03-3824.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2000). Training manual for mental health and human service workers in major disasters (DHHS Publication No. ADM 90-0538). Retrieved from http://www.samhsa.gov/dtac/FederalResource/Response/4-Training_Manual_MH_Workers.pdf [PDF - 399 KB]

This training manual provides an overview of information essential to mental health and human service workers in times of disaster, including how disasters affect children, adults, and older adults; the importance of tailoring the program to fit the community; descriptions of effective disaster mental health interventions; and strategies for preventing and managing worker stress.

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Tips and Guides

Alzheimer's Association. (2008). Take care of yourself: 10 ways to be a healthier caregiver [Brochure]. Retrieved from http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_caregiverstress.pdf [PDF - 175.3 KB] 

This trifold brochure lists 10 strategies for caregivers to take care of themselves, as well as 10 symptoms of caregiver stress.

Alzheimer's Association, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, American Health Care Association, American Health Quality Association, American Medical Directors Association, National Association of Directors of Nursing Administration, & National Center for Assisted Living. (n.d.). Planning for a pandemic/epidemic or disaster: Caring for persons with cognitive impairment. Retrieved January 30, 2009, from http://www.ahqa.org/pub/uploads/0207013PanDemic.pdf [PDF - 54 KB] 

This guide is intended for those affiliated with long-term care facilities. It provides guidance for nonlicensed staff and lay people who may be involved during a pandemic or disaster. It discusses person-centered care, communication concerns, nutrition and fluid intake, wandering and catastrophic reactions, strategies, and interventions.

Brown, L. M., & Hyer, K. (2008, April). Psychological First Aid field operations guide for nursing homes. Retrieved from http://www.ahcancal.org/facility_operations/disaster_planning/Documents/PsychologicalFirstAid.pdf [PDF - 1.06 MB] 

This 17-page paper explores whether older adults may, and in some cases may not, be more vulnerable in times of disasters. It also includes detailed discussion on the role of national key players such as the Area Agencies on Aging, the CDC, special needs shelters, and long-term care providers. A list of resources is provided as well as story ideas for those in the media.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Healthy Aging Program. (n.d.). CDC disaster planning goal: Protect vulnerable older adults. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/aging/pdf/disaster_planning_goal.pdf [PDF - 173 KB]

This 17-page paper explores whether older adults may, and in some cases may not, be more vulnerable in times of disasters. It also includes detailed discussion on the role of national key players such as the Area Agencies on Aging, the CDC, special needs shelters, and long-term care providers. A list of resources is provided as well as story ideas for those in the media.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)/ American Red Cross. (2004). Preparing for disaster for people with disabilities and other special needs. Retrieved from http://www.fema.gov/pdf/library/pfd_all.pdf [PDF - 731.3 KB]

This 20-page booklet provides instructions for older adults as well as a preparedness action checklist, description of a disaster kit, plan for maintenance, and instructions for when disaster strikes.

Florida Department of Elder Affairs. (2008, May/June). Disaster preparedness guide for elders [Special issue]. Elder Update. Retrieved January 30, 2009, from http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/doea/pubs/EU/disaster_guide.pdf [PDF - 1.10 MB] 

This special issue of Elder Update, , a newsletter created by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, includes preparation information for various types of natural disasters including hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes. It outlines topics including disaster kits, insurance, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency application process.
This guide is also available in Spanish at:
http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/doea/pubs/EU/disaster_guide_spanish.pdf [PDF - 913 KB]

Greater Rochester Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Rochester Institute of Technology National Technical Institute for the Deaf. (2005). Disaster preparedness and the deaf community: For the deaf, hard of hearing, and latened deaf. Retrieved from http://www.publichealthpractices.org/sites/cidrappractices.org/files/upload/332/332_brochure.pdf [PDF - 702.02 KB] 

This booklet addresses four steps to disaster preparedness for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as what to do after disaster strikes.

Geriatric Mental Health Foundation. (2009). Older adults and disaster: Preparedness and response. Retrieved April 8, 2011, from http://www.gmhfonline.org/gmhf/consumer/disaster_prprdns.html

This guide from the Geriatric Mental Health Foundation helps older adults, their family members, and their caregivers to prepare for and respond to disasters. The webpage describes who is most vulnerable, lists actions that can be taken before and after a disaster strikes, and provides a list of resources for additional support.

This guide is also available in Spanish at http://www.gmhfonline.org/gmhf/consumer/disaster_prprdns_es.html

HelpAge International & United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. (2008). Older people in disasters and humanitarian crises: Guidelines for best practice. Retrieved from http://sheltercentre.org/sites/default/files/UNHCR_OlderPeopleInDisasters.pdf [PDF - 514 KB] 

This 27-page report provides extensive guidelines that are based on international research and a global disaster perspective. The guidelines give recommendations for the humanitarian community to meet the needs of the elderly, as well as suggest strategies of how older people can better help support themselves during disasters.

Kelly, J. I. (2003). How to develop a disaster action plan for older, distant relatives. Retrieved from http://ems-solutionsinc.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Disaster_Plan_for_Older_Distant_Relatives.pdf [PDF - 64 KB] 

This is an AARP Bulletin article that briefs families on developing a communication strategy and reviews seven steps to help prepare older family members for a disaster.

National Organization on Disability. (n.d.). Prepare yourself: Disaster readiness tips for owners of pets or service animals [Brochure]. Retrieved February 2, 2011, from http://nod.org/assets/downloads/Readiness-Tips-Owners-Pets.pdf [PDF - 178 KB]  

This brochure from the National Organization on Disability (NOD) outlines tips for those who own service animals. It reviews how such animals are specially trained to assist those with mobility impairments, protecting a person who experiences seizures, and providing a therapeutic function, and emphasizes including pets or service animals in emergency plans.

National Organization on Disability. (n.d.). Prepare yourself: Disaster readiness tips for people with mobility disabilities [Brochure]. Retrieved January 30, 2009, from http://www.disastersrus.org/MyDisasters/disability/epips4mobility.pdf [PDF - 170 KB] 

This brochure from NOD outlines tips for those with mobility challenges. It reviews preparedness, planning, and related accommodations such as special needs shelters.

National Organization on Disability. (n.d.). Prepare yourself: Disaster readiness tips for people with sensory disabilities [Brochure]. Retrieved January 30, 2009, from http://www.disastersrus.org/MyDisasters/disability/epips2sensory.pdf [PDF - 156 KB] 

This brochure from NOD outlines tips for those who have sensory-related challenges. It reviews preparedness, warning and response planning, and related accommodations such as shelters for people with special needs.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. (2008). Prepare today cope better tomorrow: Stress during disasters. Retrieved from http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/mh/PrepareToday-CopeBetterTomorrow.pdf [PDF - 597.92 KB]

This 20-page booklet provides basic information and practical advice about dealing with the stress and anxiety that are part of a disaster.

Texas Department of State Health Services. (n.d.). What you need to know about... helping the elderly recover from the emotional aftermath of a disaster [Fact sheet]. Retrieved from http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/preparedness/factsheet_elderly_emotional_recovery.pdf [149.5 - KB]

This one-page fact sheet lists common reactions older adults may have after a disaster and warning signs that someone may need extra help, as well as strategies to help older adults with their special needs.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging. (n.d.). How will I know mom and dad are okay? [Brochure]. Retrieved February 2, 2011, from http://www.eldercare.gov/ELDERCARE.NET/Public/Resources/Brochures/docs/INTOUCH_brochure.pdf [PDF - 476 KB]

This brochure offers tips to keep in mind about aging parents and ensuring their safety and security after a disaster. A plan template is provided for the reader's convenience and provides space for the reader to create an individual plan tailored to his or her situation.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging. (n.d.). Just in case: Emergency readiness for older adults and caregivers [Fact sheet]. Retrieved February 2, 2011, from http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/AoA_Programs/HCLTC/Caregiver/docs/Just_in_Case030706_links.pdf [PDF - 316 KB]

This fact sheet offers a three-step process that describes the basics of a good personal plan, the process for creating a personal plan, and necessary emergency supplies. Personalized checklists are offered to assist in the process.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration on Aging. (n.d.). Post-disaster safety checklist [Tip sheet]. Retrieved January 30, 2009, from http://www.aoa.gov/AoARoot/Preparedness/Resources_Network/pdf/Resource%20N-%20Safety%20Check%20List.pdf [PDF - 19 KB]

This checklist reminds older adults what to do after a disaster and how to take necessary precautions until help arrives.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute on Aging. (2001). Hypothermia: A cold weather hazard [Fact sheet]. Retrieved February 13, 2012, from http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/hypothermia-cold-weather-hazard

This fact sheet explains how to identify symptoms of hypothermia and how to provide immediate assistance. It includes tips on lowering the risk of hypothermia and information on self-care and consumer resources to assist with home heating costs.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA. (2002). A guide for older adults [Fact sheet]. Retrieved January 30, 2009, from http://www.samhsa.gov/csatdisasterrecovery/outreach/guideForOlderAdults.pdf [PDF - 38.61 KB]

This Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) fact sheet assists older adults in coping with personal trauma. It encourages readers to seek assistance and acknowledge and share feelings in an effort to foster recovery.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, SAMHSA. (2011). Promoting emotional health and preventing suicide: A toolkit for senior living communities (HHS Publication No. SMA 4515, CMHS-NSPL-0197). Retrieved from http://store.samhsa.gov/product/Promoting-Emotional-Health-and-Preventing-Suicide/SMA10-4515.

This toolkit contains a suite of resources with information about mental health and suicide prevention in senior living communities. The toolkit includes a manager's guide, fact sheets for residents, and hands-on training tools for professional staff and family members. Topics covered include information on the warning signs of suicide as well as how to respond after a suicide occurs.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (n.d.). Preparing makes sense for older Americans: Get ready now [Brochure]. Retrieved February 13, 2012, from http://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/documents/files/older_americans%5B1%5D.pdf [PDF - 212 KB]

This brochure from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security outlines tips regarding emergency preparedness, and reviews points related to support networks, fire safety, evacuation, and emergency documents.

University of New Mexico, Center for Development and Disability. Tips for first responders (3rd ed.). Retrieved from http://cdd.unm.edu/dhpd/tips.asp

This 28-page booklet provides tips for responders during emergencies and routine encounters to accommodate and communicate with people with disabilities. A special section focuses on assisting seniors. This booklet is also available in Spanish.

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Reports and Presentations

AARP. (2006). We can do better: Lessons learned for protecting older persons in disasters. Retrieved January 30, 2009, from http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/il/better_1.pdf [PDF - 120 KB] 

This AARP report provides suggestions and practical resources for diverse audiences. It includes a section on special risks faced by older people in disasters and focuses on planning and communication, identification of helpers, and evacuation of older citizens.

Baylor College of Medicine, & American Medical Association. (n.d.). Recommendations for best practices in the management of elderly disaster victims. Retrieved January 30, 2009, from http://www.bcm.edu/pdf/bestpractices.pdf [PDF - 1.25 MB] 

This report from the Baylor College of Medicine and the American Medical Association is for Federal, State, and local government disaster planners to promote understanding of the unique needs of older adults. It contains recommendations for consideration regarding screening, triage, and tracking, and lists ways to avoid potential harm to vulnerable older adults.

Public Entity Risk Institute. (2001). Holistic disaster recovery: Ideas for building local sustainability after a natural disaster. Boulder, CO: Natural Hazards Center.

This report discusses promoting social and intergenerational equity during disaster recovery. This concept includes securing equal access for all members of the community, and specifically for vulnerable populations.

Electronic copies may be downloaded at http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/publications/holistic/holistic2001.html. 

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