Experiences of Assisted Living Facility Staff in Evacuating and Sheltering Residents During Hurricanes

The study examined Florida assisted living facility staff perspectives of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery after the 2004 and 2005 hurricanes. A descriptive study using qualitative and quantitative approaches. One hundred seventy Florida assisted living facility staff who worked in areas under hurricane threat and provided care to residents during a hurricane. A questionnaire that was mailed or administered to staff attending a regional planning conference with quantitative and qualitative items. Of the 143 facilities that were affected by a hurricane, 77 % reported that they sheltered residents in place, while 23 % indicated that they evacuated for one or more of the hurricanes. Almost one-third of facilities lost telephone service and almost half lost electrical power during one or more of the hurricanes. Key topics noted by both evacuating facilities and those that sheltered in place were 1) decision-making, 2) planning, support, and supplies, 3) communication, and 4) electricity. Unique to assisted living facilities is the role of residents’ family in assuming responsibility for evacuation and shelter during hurricanes. Facility staff at both evacuating and sheltering facilities indicated that the decision to evacuate or to shelter in place was difficult and the electrical power was critical to resident well-being. Assisted living facilities should develop disaster preparedness plans in conjunction with local and state emergency offices. Adequate disaster preparedness has implications for residents’ safety as well as assisted living facility staff during disasters.