Learning Objectives
           1. Understand the historical evolution of research on disasters and older adults
           2. Identify the challenges long-term care communities have implementing the current 
           Federal emergency preparedness regulations
           3. Determine the factors necessary for an organization to achieve second order 
           adaptive capacity. 
           4. Discuss best post-disaster response and recovery practices, including immediate 
           assessment and recovery plan.
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        Presenters
           Mary Helen McSweeney-Feld, Ph.D., L.N.H.A., F.A.C.H.C.A.
                  Associate Professor, Health Care Management, Towson University 
           Sandi J. Lane, Ph.D., F.A.C.H.E., L.N.H.A.
                  Assistant Professor, Health Care Management, Appalachian State University
           Allison Gibson, Ph.D., M.S.W., L.I.S.W.-C.P.
                  Assistant Professor, Social Work, University of Kentucky
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      Disasters and Older Adults Special Interest Group: 
                                Historical Perspective
         A faculty-led special interest group within the Gerontological Society of America
         First meeting at the Gerontological Society Meeting in November 2010 (New 
          Orleans)
         Was a response to events in Hurricane Katrina and Sandy that affected older adults
         Vehicle for raising awareness of issues affecting older adults in disasters
                                                           th
          The group has now met for 7 annual meetings (8  as of July 2017). 
                                   McSweeney-Feld, Lane & 
                                                               McSweeney-Feld, Lane & Gibson/Key Points      June 7, 2017
                                   Gibson      June 7, 2017,              4
     Disasters and Older Adults Special Interest Group: 
                                            Overview
        Started with 15 members, the group has grown now to 111. 
        Membership can change annually—it is only available to those who are registered 
         with the Gerontological Society of America organization.
        Open to academics, researchers, clinicians, healthcare providers (nursing homes, 
         hospitals, medical facilities), program administrators (senior centers, meals on 
         wheels, Area Agencies on Aging), and policymakers (state and federal) from all 
         disciplines.
        While membership is primarily composed of US participants, we have had members 
         from Japan, Canada, the Bahamas, China, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and 
         Taiwan.
                                     McSweeney-Feld, Lane & 
                                                                 McSweeney-Feld, Lane & Gibson/Key Points      June 7, 2017
                                     Gibson      June 7, 2017,               5
      Disasters and Older Adults Special Interest Group: 
                                            Overview
        Current focus on providing training (i.e., through webinars),  networking opportunities 
        for those working in this area of practice/research (i.e., annual conference SIG 
        meeting)
        SIG is also a vehicle for annual conference presentations and symposia, hosting 
        special issue/section publications on older adults and disasters
        Serves as a contact for the general public about when questions arise about older 
        adults in disasters (i.e., listed on GSA website).
                                    McSweeney-Feld, Lane & 
                                                                McSweeney-Feld, Lane & Gibson/Key Points      June 7, 2017
                                    Gibson      June 7, 2017,              6