Area Agency on Aging District 7 Releases a Plan to Stay
"IN TOUCH" With Older Relatives During a Crisis

Executive Director of the Area Agency on Aging District 7, Pamela K. Matura, releases the following information from the Eldercare Locator. As the Holidays approach and families reflect on 2004 -- a year in which thousands of Americans from coast to coast experienced natural disasters -- the Eldercare Locator and the Area Agency on Aging District 7 (AAA7) are encouraging families to spend some Holiday time mapping out a plan that will keep their older relatives safe when disaster and personal crisis strikes. The Eldercare Locator, a nationwide service funded by the U.S. Administration on Aging that links older consumers and their families to local aging services, has released an action plan, “IN TOUCH,” to help families establish a strategy to assist older relatives in emergency situations. “IN TOUCH” was developed to assist families initiate a discussion about ways to help older relatives should an emergency occur.

Disaster and emergency situations can strike quickly and without warning, forcing immediate evacuations or even confining seniors to their homes. There are many reasons why older Americans must be prepared, including age-related characteristics, such as delayed response time or reduced ability to see or hear. Mental or physical impairments also can be barriers to quick response, as can chronic health problems, limited finances, and language and cultural differences. Families can cope with emergencies by preparing in advance for the worst-case scenarios.

The Eldercare Locator and AAA7 encourages families across the country to take the opportunity this holiday season to establish a family plan with older loved ones to stay “IN TOUCH” during disasters and emergency situations. Whether you live far away or are directly caring for your loved one, an “IN TOUCH” plan will aid your family communications efforts before, during, and after a crisis situation:

Identify potential emergency situations and disasters that could occur in your older family member’s home and community.

Note what community resources are available that might assist your efforts in establishing your “IN TOUCH” plan.

Talk about individual circumstances that are concerns for you and your older loved one.
Outline your “IN TOUCH” plan in writing and share it with everyone involved.
Update your “IN TOUCH” plan as situations change.
Communicate regularly and test your “IN TOUCH” plan.
Have peace of mind knowing that you have an “IN TOUCH” plan.

“Older persons are very resilient, but they may need special help to overcome the adversities of disastrous events,” said Josefina G. Carbonell, Assistant Secretary for Aging at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “An emergency preparedness plan is a must for all families, and this “IN TOUCH” plan addresses the special needs of older loved ones before a crisis occurs. I urge you to work with your State or Area Agency on Aging to identify ways to keep your older relatives safe all year round, not just in an emergency.”

In 2004, the country was hit by serious natural disasters – disasters that put seniors in a very difficult position when there wasn’t a plan in place. Many older Americans have serious obstacles to safety when faced with an unexpected situation, such as lack of transportation; dependence on daily medications; or lack of heat. If emergency situations arise an effective plan can avert the situation turning into a crisis. If families need assistance identifying local resources to complete the plan, the Eldercare Locator can connect them with agencies that provide transportation services, meals on wheels, and home health services among others.

“When an emergency occurs, there is no time to sit down and figure out what to do,” said Sandy Markwood, CEO of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. “This Holiday Season, families can give themselves a precious gift—the gift of peace of mind all year long, knowing that Mom and Dad have a plan in place in the event of an emergency. How will your aging relative signal for help if needed? Have arrangements been made for a friend or neighbor to check on them? As families sit around the dinner table during the holiday season, we strongly encourage them to spend a few minutes identifying ways to stay in touch with older relatives during crisis situations.”

For a copy of the “IN TOUCH” plan call the Area Agency on Agency District 7 at 1-800-582-7277 and ask to speak to Sharon Bowman, or you may call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

The Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. administers programs for older adults funded by the state and federal governments. Federal funds managed by the Administration on Aging and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as well as all state funds, are received through the Ohio Department of Aging. The Area Agency contracts with agencies and organizations and then channels funds through this network of services providers. These service providers include senior centers, community action agencies, home health agencies, health departments, etc.

The Area Agency also pursues various other grant opportunities to provide special programs for older adults and those involved with services to other vulnerable, at-risk populations, regardless of age.

Services provided on a Non-Discriminatory Basis.