The Real Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina: Helping our Elders, Helping Ourselves

Article submitted by Dianne Boazman, LCSW, CMC; Betty Landreaux, LCSW, CMC; and Jo Ann White, BSN, of Care Management Solutions and Home Care Solutions, Metairie, Louisiana.
For more information, visit their website: www.caremanagementsolutions.net.

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina for most of us means debris clean-up, restoration of utility services, home repairs, and the rebuilding of our city. The challenge of rebuilding, however, includes how affected individuals cope with the myriad of losses and changes caused by the disaster. For elderly individuals in particular, these changes often impact them more profoundly than even children and younger adults.

Some seniors have been forced out of their familiar homes and are living out of state with multiple family members. Others have encountered "double evacuations" caused by both Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, while others faced repeated relocations. The loss of a lifetime of possessions and family treasures has been emotionally devastating to many. Still other frail, disabled, or chronically ill elderly have faced hospitalizations and nursing home placements in strange cities, and many have even succumbed to the traumas.

While such disaster-related problems have been traumatic for the elderly individuals, we must also consider the impact on the families. The new post-hurricane family often resembles the generations of families living together that were common in our city long ago. These new communal living arrangements, while necessary and supportive, also create stressful experiences for families who have lost so much, including their homes, jobs, school communities, and daily routines. Many seniors, however, have little or no family network to rely on, and others have fragmented and problematic relationships, leaving them with scarce support and resources.

During this chaotic time, emotions for both the elders and family range from sadness, guilt, anger, to fear of an uncertain future. In the face of such overwhelm, people usually don't know what they need or where to find help. We keep hearing the message loud and clear - our community must reach out to one another and help create solutions in this very difficult aftermath.

We encourage families to seek help from those sources they may have never before considered. Support groups and social workers can provide needed counseling for depression and anxiety. Geriatric care managers can help families consider the available care options and make the right choices for elder care dilemmas at this difficult time. In addition, the clergy, physicians, nurses and home health care services can be a valuable source of support and guidance. Likewise, professional sitter/companion services for the elderly can ease the burden of care for families as they juggle the details of job, homes, additional travel, and other disaster-related tasks. Even in our diminished city, many good health and social services are still available and ready to meet the needs of our elderly and their families.

In this aftermath, we must all take care of ourselves and of one another. Take the time to find the right professional to help you find the best SOLUTION for your unique needs.