Helping the Elderly Deal with the Stress of Relocation
Issues and Tips Regarding Stress Effects in the Elderly
Several issues need to be taken into account when helping elderly friends and
family who may be under stress after a disaster and who are suffering from the
effects of a sudden relocation.
Communication Problems
Some older persons in shelters or in new surroundings may have difficulty
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understanding family and friends, or
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talking to people or answering questions.
Normal age-related slowing of thinking, problems with seeing and hearing, and
reduced ability to physically move because of illnesses or the effects of
medications may cause this.
Tip: Make sure that the elderly person has the eyeglasses they need and that
their hearing aid is on before talking to them. Be patient and calm. Speak
loudly enough for them to hear you, but do not shout. Keep your messages simple
and clear. Repeat information and make sure that the person in your care hears
and understands what is said.
Danger from Falls
Be aware that in unfamiliar settings, clutter, and poor lighting could cause an
elderly person to fall. Balance problems, muscle weakness, and medications can
add to their risk of falling.
Tip: Check new living quarters for anything that could lead to a fall, for
example, loose throw rugs. Make sure stairs and hallways are well lit and
provide walking assistance if needed.
Chronic Illness and Dietary Considerations
Arthritis may prevent an elderly family member from standing in line. Some
medications can cause mental confusion or a greater susceptibility to problems
such as dehydration. Memory problems can cause communication problems. Neglect
of special meal needs in certain illnesses can lead to medical crises.
Tip: As soon as possible, make sure the elderly family member
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has all of their medicines with them,
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eats the foods require to manage their illnesses,
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has written diet and medication information with them in case they are
separated from you, and
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establishes contact with their medical care provider or that you help them find
a new one and provide their medical history to the care provider.
Disoriented Behavior
At night, when nearby surroundings are not seen as well as in the day, some
elderly with mild or moderate dementia or problems thinking clearly can become
confused about where they are. You may need to orient them to time and place.
Tip: Make sure the elderly person has a clock and a calendar in their room. If
you have any familiar things of theirs, place those in their room. Be sure that
there is some soft, nonglaring light in their room and that it is as quiet and
calm as possible. If you cannot reorient the elderly person to where they are
and your efforts upset them, just reassure them that things are okay or
distract them with other activities.
Multiple Loss Effect
The elderly family member who may have lost their spouse, income, home, or
physical capabilities may have difficulty "bouncing back" from their loss.
Tip: Show empathy for the person's situation by listening. Give comfort by your
presence and let them know you are there and care for them. Do not minimize
what they have lost.
Worries About Loss of Independence
Loss of the ability to live independently because of disaster-related injury or
loss of home can be the biggest blow that a disaster deals the elderly.
Tip: Within the constraints of the situation, allow them to do what they can
for themselves and keep as much dignity and independence as is possible.
"Welfare" Stigma and Unfamiliarity with Bureaucracy
Many older family members are unwilling to accept government "welfare"
assistance because they have always "paid their way." In a disaster, however,
government help may be needed. Their unwillingness to accept help may be made
worse by unfamiliarity with government services for which they are eligible,
particularly during disasters.
Tip: If the person is reluctant to accept assistance, relate the assistance to
a time when they helped someone in need or explain that this help comes from
taxes they have paid.
Getting Too Hot or Too Cold
Older persons may not handle extremes of heat or cold well. Either too much heat
or cold can have marked effects upon them. This becomes critical in disasters
that close down furnaces or air conditioners.
Tip: Be aware of the need to keep elderly family members out of extremes of
heat and cold.
Dehydration
Elderly persons are more susceptible to dehydration. They do not feel thirsty
as quickly as young people do and do not drink water and other liquids as
often. Some of the medicine they take can also lead to water loss.
Tip: Check to make sure that your elderly relatives have access to safe, clean
drinking water and that they are drinking it. Watch for signs of dehydration,
such as sunken eyes, no tears, and dry mouth.
Language and Cultural Barriers
Lower reading skills among some elders and inadequate command of the English
language among speakers of other languages can cause confusion and frustration
at relief centers or in new housing locations.
Tip: Try to match the elderly person with someone fluent in his or her native
language.
Senior Citizens Dealing with Change
Remember that elderly persons have the strengths gained from a lifetime of
coping with adversity. Know also that elderly people tend to under-report
problems, both to family and physicians, as they may want to cope on their own.
Therefore, it is important to pay attention to how they feel and act in times
of change and relocation.
Signs of Stress in the Elderly
The elderly can suffer various symptoms from worsening of pre-existing medical
problems, problems with medications, new illnesses or psychological stress.
Therefore, it is important to make sure that they are medically stable before
deciding these symptoms are due to emotional stress.
Under stress, whether from physical or emotional sources, the elderly can
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become mentally confused,
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tire easily,
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withdraw from friends and family, and
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in severe cases, undergo personality changes.
You should also know that the elderly might tend to complain of bodily symptoms
rather than emotional problems when under stress. Again, remember not to
dismiss any bodily symptoms as just due to stress.
Special Issues for the Frail Elderly
Many elderly are very healthy, well-functioning, capable adults. For example,
at age 60 years, only 15% of elderly people suffer from dementia, at age 85
years, 50% of the elderly are affected by dementia. The "older" more frail
elderly are the ones who may be more vulnerable in a disaster due to medical
illnesses.
How to Help the Elderly Deal with Stress
In general terms, these principles will help guide you when helping an elderly
person deal with the stress of evacuation and relocation:
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Provide strong and persistent verbal reassurance.
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Assist with recovery of physical possessions as is safe, make frequent home
visits, and arrange for companions.
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Give special attention to suitable residential relocation, ideally in familiar
surroundings with friends or acquaintances.
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Help re-establish contact with family and friends.
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Assist in obtaining medical and financial assistance.
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Help re-establish medication and any dietary regimens.
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Provide transportation to the doctor, grocery store, etc.