Long-Term Care Planning, Preparedness, and Response Among Rural Long-Term Care Providers

Abstract

Objective: Rural Long-term Care (LTC) providers face unique challenges when planning, preparing for, and responding to disasters. We sought to better understand challenges and identify best practices for LTC in rural areas. Methods: Case studies including key informant interviews and site visits were conducted with LTC staff and emergency planning, preparedness, and response partners in three rural communities. Themes were identified across sites using inductive coding. Results: Communication across disaster phases continues to be a challenge for LTC providers in rural communities for all disaster types. Communication challenges limit LTC providers’ ability to address patient needs during emergencies and limit the resilience of providers and patients to future disasters. Limited coordination among local leadership and LTC providers prevents dissemination of information, resources, and services, and slows response and recovery time. Including LTC providers as stakeholders in planning and exercises may improve communication and coordination. Conclusion: More than two decades into efforts to increase preparedness of health care systems to all hazards, rural LTC facilities still face challenges related to communication and coordination. Agencies at the federal, state, and local level should include input from rural LTC stakeholders to address gaps in communication and coordination and increase their disaster resilience.

Effectiveness of Physical Activity Programs for Older Adults during COVID-19 across Districts with Different Healthcare Resource: A Case Study of Keelung City in Taiwan

“…Furthermore, the research findings also indicated that participants in administrative districts with a higher average service population (meaning a larger population served per medical institution) showed significantly greater improvements in grip strength of both hands after the intervention. Based on previous research findings, it could be inferred that medical service institutions in areas with scarce resources may face certain problems, such as shortages in human resources, inadequate infrastructure, policy issues, and transportation inconvenience [ 34 , 35 , 36 ], and these areas may also have lower levels of urbanization. Areas with lower levels of urbanization often experience problems such as an outflow of the young population and an increase in the elderly population, which may urgently require measures related to elderly support [ 37 ].…”

Effectiveness of Comprehensive Physical Activity Health Promotion Program on the Essential Physical Functions of Older Patients With Multiple Diseases and Dementia in Rural Area

“…Furthermore, the current study participants are all from long-term care facilities in rural areas. Based on past research findings, it can be inferred that there may be some issues with long-term care in rural areas, such as shortages in human resources, inadequate infrastructure, policy issues, and inconvenient transportation ( Chuakhamfoo et al, 2020 ; Radcliff et al, 2022 ; Zhu & Österle, 2017 ). In addition, the issues of outflow of the young population and aging population in rural areas may urgently require support for aging-related facilities ( Fang et al, 2020 ).…”

The Enhancement of Fire Safety in Small-Scale Senior Citizen Welfare Institutions Based on Fire Protection Defense-in-Depth Strategy

“…This shows that the population in Taiwan is rapidly aging. How to cope with an aging society is a pressing issue for many countries concerning the social welfare for the elderly, elderly care, elderly travel, and even crimes committed on the elderly [6][7][8][9][10].…”