Issue Brief: Older Adults, Legal Services & Disaster Assistance

Florence has moved on, the California wildfires are  under containment, and there is still that volcano in Hawaii… so it’s only a matter of time until the next natural disaster. So the National Center on Law & Elder Rights recent issue brief from Fay Gordon at Justice in Aging, Legal Services and Disaster Assistance, is so timely.  As the issue brief notes, “Legal aid organizations are quickly mobilizing to help older adults impacted by recent hurricanes,
wildfires, and volcanoes. Older adults are at increased risk of disease and death during disasters due to a higher prevalence of chronic conditions, physical disability, cognitive impairment, and other functional limitations.1 Potential limitations in mobility, access to transportation or limitations can further exacerbate the challenges older adults face during emergencies.” (citations omitted) The brief offers resources from several agencies, offers a quick summary of the toolkit for state Medicaid agencies and consumer protection advice. This is all very useful information for us, regardless of where we live.  Bookmark this issue brief!