Some areas of the United States frequently experience extreme floods due to hurricanes, record-breaking rainfall, snowmelt, and other weather-related factors. Unfortunately, thousands of Florida homes are located in flood-prone zones. There is never a pleasant time to lose one’s home, but older Americans may suffer significantly when their home is destroyed by a flood. Here are a few of the reasons why seniors are often the group most affected by flood damage in Lake Worth, FL.
Seniors are Affected by Floods Directly and Indirectly
Floods have a variety of direct and indirect effects on elderly people’s health and well-being. The effects of floods are typically more severe for older persons, and there is also a higher incidence of diseases related to floods and higher fatality rates.
Analysis of past floods has shown that older persons have greater mortality rates than other age groups and that this can be due to secondary health effects such as hypothermia and heart issues as well as drowning. Additionally, flooding may limit a person’s access to medications or make it challenging for them to get the right medical care in an emergency.
Seniors are Less Prepared to Cope with Floods
They are less likely to heed flood warnings, and problems with balance, strength, or mobility may make adopting recommended precautions or protecting properties from flooding more difficult. As an example, power outages can disrupt life-support systems like oxygen generators and ventilators, as well as older people’s mobility.
This is because they may be dependent on electric wheelchairs that need to be charged, or they may require access to lifts. For seniors, finding safe drinking water may be very difficult after a flood, which can be a problem as their immunity is already compromised.
Older adults sometimes depend on personal aids like glasses, dentures, or hearing aids, which might break or go missing in the event of a flood. This can make it difficult for them to recover from a flood and proceed with their everyday lives.
Thankfully, in a retirement community, seniors do not have to face the effects of a devastating flood alone. An emergency call system put in place in every apartment, along with a dedicated team on the premises 24/7, makes help easily accessible with just one call.
Seniors are Susceptible to the Social and Psychological Effects of Floods
For elderly persons, the stress of disruption and the loss of memorabilia can be heartbreaking. Many seniors take longer to heal than others, or never fully do so. Some seniors may experience memory loss and a lack of confidence as a result of flooding, and the stress of caring for a family member who has been displaced can significantly damage social ties. Some senior citizens may find it difficult to manage insurance claims and arrange repairs, and some may even downplay their situation. Seniors who are already unwell or who are socially isolated may experience even worse effects.
This is why choosing a retirement community with adequate on-site medical and therapy services is so important, as they can receive timely attention following a flood and be well on their road to recovery.