The U.S. Senate Aging Committee held a hearing last Wednesday, “Preparing for Disasters: Unique Challenges Facing Older Americans” to address the need for disaster preparedness specific to seniors. The hearing was specifically called ahead of the 2025 hurricane season to review the unique vulnerabilities of older adults during natural disasters and the importance of proactive planning by seniors, caregivers, communities, and policymakers.
Last year, Argentum released an Emergency Preparedness whitepaper, providing critical insights into how senior living communities can enhance their readiness for natural disasters. The whitepaper explores best practices and lessons learned from senior living providers, including the importance of developing robust emergency plans, regularly conducting drills, and fostering collaboration with local and state agencies. It also includes a comprehensive checklist, including guidelines on power outages, evacuation plans, and sheltering in place.