Help is available for people impacted by the July 2024 flooding in Central and Northern Vermont. Please review this page for more information about the Starting Over Strong Vermont program. Additional resources are available on the DMH Flood Resources Page. Stay safe!
Resources Focused on Older Adults
Disaster-related resources for supporting older adults
Designed for anyone supporting older adults after a disaster, this SAMHSA guide highlights reactions to disasters that are common among survivors of all ages, as well as unique challenges older adults may face after disasters and how response workers can help. The guide also identifies resources available to help in connecting older adults with services and supports.
This service of the Administration on Aging, part of the U.S. Administration for Community Living, features an online database users can search by ZIP code and city and state to find local services for older adults, which may be particularly useful following a disaster. The service can also be reached by toll-free phone at 1–800–677–1116. The Eldercare Locator website includes links to consumer publications and websites of organizations that serve older adults.
In this handout, CDC provides a wealth of information about stress, why relocation after a disaster may be stressful, common signs of stress, and ways that parents and other caregivers can support children and adolescents in coping. Tips are also provided for helping older adults with coping, as are links to related resources.
Provided by the Alberta (Canada) Government and Alberta Health Services, this online article highlights the diversity of the older adult population and notes that this diversity is reflected in the range of reactions older adults may have to disasters. The article identifies key considerations, older adults who may need additional assistance after a disaster (e.g., older adults who are in poor physical health), and ways to support older adults who have survived a disaster.
