Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Vol. 34 No. 8 August 2008
By Carmen Castro, MS, CHES; Diane Persson, PhD; Nancy Bergstrom, PhD, RN, FAAN; Stanley Cron, MSPH
ABSTRACT
This study assesses the preparedness of long-term care facilities in Texas responding to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. A 41-item questionnaire was mailed to facilities; the response rate was 42%. Among responding facilities, 4,513 residents were evacuated, and 6% of respondents reported resident death. Financial losses were reported by 8% of nursing facilities and 45% of assisted living facilities due to transportation and staff overtime. Respondents indicated the need for improved disaster preparedness training, better coordination, and transportation. Changes in policy and practice will lead to better trained staff who will provide the care residents need for improved health outcomes during future public health disasters.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Ms. Castro is Aging Program Specialist II, Dr. Persson is Director, Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, and Dr. Bergstrom is Director and Theodore J. and Mary E. Trumble Professorship in Aging Research, Center on Aging, and Mr. Cron is Instructor in Nursing, Center for Nursing Research, School of Nursing, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas.
This research project was supported by a grant from the Isla Carroll Turner Friendship Trust. The authors thank Dr. Nina Selz for reviewing the manuscript, the many long-term care facilities for participating in the study, and the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (Regulatory) for providing a list of facilities in the targeted area.
Address correspondence to Carmen Castro, MS, CHES, Aging Program Specialist II, Center on Aging, School of Nursing, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, SON-628, 6901 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030; e-mail: Carmen.Castro@uth.tmc.edu.
