Working with Groups → Working with older people

Working with older people

Older people* are one of the most vulnerable groups in emergencies, and need equal access to vital services. They can also play invaluable, active roles in response and recovery efforts.

 

Vulnerable older people fall into several categories:

  • Isolated single older people who are frail or disabled
  • Isolated older couples where one or both partners are disabled
  • Isolated older people living with young dependants
  • Isolated older people living in non-supporting families
     

Vulnerability and threats to older people 

Threats Impact
  • Left behind as families move away
  • Destruction of families and communities undermines support networks
  • Lack of family tracing services for adults
  • Discrimination and lack of consultation
  • Age specific issues not understood or prioritised in humanitarian responses – chronic health problems, mobility and psychosocial needs
  • Targets for bandits or those seeking retaliation
  • Unable to be resettled or return home, so institutionalised and neglected
  • Lack of ‘visibility’, loss of status, so not consulted
  • Physically less able to secure food, water, fuel and access to services or escape from unsafe situations
  • Serious abuses, such as rape, prostitution, theft and confinement of older people go unseen and unchallenged
  • Seen as ‘poor investment’ for programmes because they are perceived as unable or unwilling to learn, or high risk as may die with the debt

 

Guidelines for action

  • Locate older people - through records, checks, ‘outreach’, communities.
  • Consultation - Include older people in needs and capacities assessments; decision-making bodies; special interest groups; establish two-way communication.
  • Basic needs – ensure access to shelter, fuel, culturally acceptable and appropriate clothing, food, cooking utensils; extra blankets or clothes for warmth; health services, water, sanitation.
  • Mobility - develop outreach and home visiting into assessment, programmes and monitoring ; accessible service delivery points; ‘fast track’ queues for most frail and vulnerable; consider problems of using trucks for transport.
  • Social, psychosocial and family needs – extend family tracing services; provide psychological support; link with supportive families; raise awareness of risks of abuse, theft, intimidation.
  • Recognise and support the contributions of older people recognise role as carers. (see side-bar)

 

Independence - Participation - Care - Self fulfilment - Dignity

UN Principles for social and civil practice towards older people, 1991
 

 

 

This page was last updated on 24 June 2011