Safeguarding vulnerable seniors from natural disasters forum report

This document reports on a forum intended to bring key stakeholders together to discuss whether there is scope for improvement in supporting vulnerable seniors during natural disasters, and if so, to identify what approaches might best achieve this.

It provides an analysis of: (i) the context for better safeguarding the vulnerable seniors during natural disasters; (ii) a brief summary of each of the forum presentation; (ii) findings from table workshops; (iv) what needs to change; (v) how to undertake the change; (vi) how to better provide care in situ instead of potentially causing more problems through evacuation and displacement; (vii) how to mentally prepare seniors for disaster; (viii) how to support the supporters; (ix) how to translate identified requirements after an event into preparation techniques that can reduce the need afterwards; (x) safeguarding the vulnerable seniors in other countries - United Kingdom, United States of America, Japan and the European Union; and (xi) conclusions.

The Safeguarding vulnerable seniors from natural disasters forum was held at the Pavilion Function Centre, Albion on 18 August 2014 as part of Queensland Seniors Week.