Disaster Preparedness for Senior Living Facilities

For senior living facilities, disasters—whether natural or man-made—can disrupt care and impact vulnerable residents, making it necessary to have detailed and up-to-date emergency plans.

Our recent webinar offered a valuable reminder that disaster preparedness in senior living isn't a matter of "if" but "when." From hurricanes and tornadoes to unexpected fires and cyber threats, the range of potential emergencies demands that facilities have comprehensive, all-hazard plans in place.

Here are some core components that senior living facilities should incorporate into their disaster planning:

1. Staffing for Emergencies

• Staff shortages, or "call-offs," happen regularly, but large-scale emergencies demand even more staffing. Facilities must plan for twice or even three times the usual number of staff during evacuations to ensure all residents are safe and cared for.

• Agreements with staffing agencies and volunteer organizations can help bolster response capabilities during crises.

2. Resident Transport and Evacuation Plans

• Effective evacuation plans consider residents' mobility limitations, transportation resources, and partnerships with other healthcare facilities for alternate care sites.
• Evacuating residents with essential items, including food, medication, and medical records, requires detailed logistics to avoid delays.

3. Emergency Power and Electrical Systems

Reliable emergency power is critical for maintaining safe temperatures, lighting, and access to medical equipment. Many facilities may require a larger generator capacity to handle prolonged outages, ensuring heating, cooling, and necessary life-support devices remain operational.

4. Infection Control and PPE Stockpile

Recent health crises, including COVID-19, underscored the need for infection control and sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies. Facilities should ensure they have ample PPE, establish clear protocols for infection control, and regularly update these plans to align with the latest guidance.

5. Cybersecurity Preparedness

Senior facilities are not immune to cyber threats like ransomware attacks. Regularly updating cybersecurity protocols, including secure password practices and encryption, is vital to protect sensitive resident information and ensure continuity of operations.

6. Elopement and Resident Safety

An often-overlooked aspect of emergency planning is the risk of elopement—when a resident wanders off unsupervised. Facilities should have clear elopement policies, conduct regular drills, and engage in continuous monitoring to minimize these incidents.

7. Collaboration with Local Agencies

Senior care facilities benefit from forming partnerships with local emergency management agencies, hospitals, and neighboring facilities. These relationships help ensure mutual support during evacuations and other emergencies.

8. Regular Training and Drills

Training and drills are essential for keeping staff prepared for emergencies. Each year, facilities should conduct two exercises, including a comprehensive after-action report, to identify and improve on any weaknesses in their emergency response.

Disaster plans are living documents. Annual reviews and updates ensure plans stay relevant, reflect changing regulations, and incorporate lessons from recent incidents. By routinely engaging in emergency assessments and revising protocols, facilities can be more agile and prepared for whatever challenges arise.