Expert Analysis
Anyone who has seen the images of the wildfires that raged across Los Angeles in January has certainly been taken aback by the devastation. The photos and videos paint a picture of an apocalyptic world. At least 29 people were killed in the fires. Thousands more have lost their homes and everything in them. I won’t forget staring at a photo of someone picking through the ashes of their home, looking for keepsakes.
Reading through news reports, I came across stories about older adults, whose lives are now turned upside down. Many seniors are confronting a variety of unique challenges. For example, assisted living facilities and nursing homes were forced to evacuate. Think about having to evacuate an entire building of seniors, many with mobility challenges.
According to CBS News in January, about 95 residents were evacuated by any mode of transportation available, even armored vehicles, from The Terraces at Park Marino (known as The Terraces), an assisted living facility. After they were safely evacuated, residents gathered in wheelchairs and gurneys across the street in a 7-Eleven parking lot as staff sorted out the next steps.
According to the Associated Press, residents at The Terraces are 60 to 102-years-old, and the facility is split between assisted living and memory care. Obviously, getting everyone out of the building was an enormous undertaking. Each resident received a lanyard with identification and medical information, and residents’ families were notified of the evacuation. Making matters worse, the lights went out during the evacuation. In addition, The Terraces’ backyard caught fire and smoke filled the facility, forcing residents to wear protective masks. Residents with mobility issues were evacuated by wheelchair or physically carried out by staff. Once evacuated, building staff immediately began working on finding residents temporary housing.
It’s not just mobility and cognitive issues that are problematic for older adults during an emergency. These wildfires highlighted problems for seniors who don’t drive, need daily medication and don’t have access to cellphones or computers. NPR reported on Francoise Mira who had to evacuate her home. She is 64 years old and needed to immediately focus on filling medication prescriptions, attending to her COPD by getting oxygen at night and keeping her service dog safe and fed. To make matters worse, all of Mira’s passwords for her phone were left in her house, which she assumed was destroyed.
B’nai B’rith sponsors Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) senior housing around the country, including Golden Years Apartments in North Hollywood, California.
Thankfully, the fires did not reach the building. However, the fires caused poor air quality throughout the city, forcing residents to remain inside, leading to missed doctor appointments and the inability to visit senior centers.
The Golden Years Apartments residents recently received a handbook produced by the state of California, “Emergency Preparedness Guide: A Guide for Older Adults, Individuals with Disabilities, and People with Access and Functional Needs.” This document provides helpful information to improve readiness before, during and after disasters. In addition, the American Red Cross delivered a presentation to residents and building management delivered emergency kits to residents.
B’nai B’rith also conducts training programs for our senior housing network, including emergency preparedness for wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes and snowstorms.
During our previous training programs in Los Angeles, we have had representatives from MySafe:LA address our network on fire and life safety education; the group is scheduled to address residents and staff at Golden Years Apartments soon. My Safe:LA is a nonprofit organization that connects with thousands of people, including older adults, on preparing for disasters. Training includes inspecting homes for fire dangers, installing smoke alarms, supporting fire departments, teaching CPR and earthquake preparedness.
On NPR, a volunteer assisting victims at a recreation center said, “It’s almost like you’ve lost the museum of your life.” I think that quote really holds true for older adults. Imagine having 80 years’ worth of memories destroyed. Yes, some people can start over. But not having photos, keepsakes and family heirlooms is terrible.
While it will take time, hopefully people can start to piece their lives back together.
Evan Carmen, Esq. is the Legislative Director for Aging Policy at the B’nai B’rith International Center for Senior Services. Click here to read more from Evan Carmen.