1. Long Term Care Facilities Disaster Preparedness
Don Sheldrew
MSW, LICSW, NREMT-P
Minnesota Department of Health
Office of Emergency Preparedness

2. Partnerships and developing relationships ahead of time
How do we get prepared?
Planning Ahead
Good Planning =
Partnerships and developing relationships ahead of time

3. LTC – Who are we talking about?
Skilled Nursing Facility, Nursing Homes, Board and Care, Residential Care Facility, Home Care, Hospice, Others
Those who care for vulnerable populations

4. LTC – Who are we talking about?
Range of facilities
Commonality of need
Diversity of needs
Range of resources
Range of talent pool

5. Some Concerns Shared
Special populations - e.g. Alzheimer's, cognitively impaired, or high fall patients.
Staffing
Pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies
Food and water supplies
Generators and fuel supplies

6. Who is responsible during emergencies?
No single answer -Depends on the situation and type of emergency
Natural Disaster, Bioterrorism, Pan Flu, Complex Disaster
Preparedness = Planning in partnership

7. Continuity of Operations
Continuity of operations considerations
Concerns
Workforce concerns
A. Pan flu – up to a 40% reduction in workforce possible
B. Regional or local emergency
C. Workforce preparedness = Personal preparedness

8. Workforce Preparedness
Personal preparedness
A. Personal and family plans
B. Available personal tools
C. Is transportation needed to get staff in?

9. Do I Still Need Personnel?
Not enough even after personal plans
Who can I ask for help?
Where can I get help?
Other local providers?
Regional providers?
Pre-planned partners?

10. Workplace Preparedness
What do I absolutely need to continue service?
Power – Utilities / Generators / Fuel
Emergent Suppliers or assistance
Food – How long can I provide without deliveries?
Will I still get deliveries?
What deliveries do I absolutely need?
Do I have connections with more than one supplier?
Water

11. Workplace Preparedness
Durable Medical Equipment
What do I need to keep people safe?
Where will I get needed non reusable supplies?
More than one supplier?

12. Facilities Concerns / Environmental Concerns
Heat
Air Conditioning
What can I do if one or the other is needed and not available?
Blankets, Ice….
Air Filtration

13. Evacuation Where to evacuate to? How to evacuate?
Who will provide the transportation in a large scale event and timing of evacuation?
Local Ambulances and bus companies

14. Communications
What is my communications system for an immediate call back?
How do I communicate with outside entities and agencies?
What communications resources do I have?
2-way radios, NOAA, telephone, computers, satellite, ITV, internet…

15. Pre-existing Arrangements
Comes from pre-planning
Knowing ahead of time who is already using what resources
Having some idea of what to expect
Learning and connecting with others who may be the same or be in a position to have or locate needed resources

16. Potential roles during emergencies – recent focus group
Provide basic medical care and short term shelter ?
Accept residents from area hospitals? Concerns about acuity and facility staffing
Medical storage?

17. Wrap – Up Plan – with local, regional, state partners
Understand your importance in the event of a crisis

18. Wrap – Up The “Plan” is simply a written document
The “Planning” forms relationships and is the crucial element in getting through an event in a more effective manner