Planning Guides, Strategies & Recommendations

Several overarching considerations must be taken into account when planning for vulnerable older adults during public health emergencies, such as developing plans which specifically address the needs of this population, as well as the cross-sector collaboration necessary to meet these needs. The planning process should include clearly identification and inclusion of essential agencies, organizations, and other stakeholders.

CDC’s new guide, Identifying Vulnerable Older Adults and Legal Options for Increasing Their Protection During All-Hazards Emergencies: A Cross-Sector Guide for States and Communities, aims to equip public health officials, the aging services network, emergency management, and essential partners from other sectors and at all jurisdictional levels with critical information, strategies, and resources to improve the planning for and protection of vulnerable community-dwelling older adults during all-hazards public health emergencies. The guide covers topic areas such as developing plans, partnering and collaboration, using data for action, building registries, using law-based solutions, sheltering, and caregiver preparedness.

Guidance & Recommendations

The Importance of Emergency Planning for Vulnerable Older Adults (PPT–2.2M) | (PDF–2.2M)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
A slide presentation for professionals to use that identifies the importance of specific emergency planning for the older adult population.

Guidance on Planning for Integration of Functional Needs Support Services (FNSS) [PDF–7.3M]
Federal Emergency Management Agency

Recommendations on Emergency Preparedness and People requiring Additional Assistance [Word–688K]
Massachusetts Taskforce on Emergency Preparedness and People Requiring Additional Assistance

Emergency Preparedness Resources for At-Risk Older Adults
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

At-Risk Individuals
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Pandemic Influenza

At-Risk Populations and Pandemic Influenza Planning Guidance
Association of State and Territorial Health Officials

Community Strategy for Pandemic Influenza Mitigation
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services