2012 W HOLE C OMMUNITY C ONFERENCE SENIORS Rose Coniglio, State Disaster Coordinator Illinois Department on Aging

D EMOGRAPHICS (2010 CENSUS POPULATION UPDATE ) Illinois population = 12,830,632 Cook County = 5,194,675 City of Chicago = 2,695,598 Suburban Cook County = 2,499,077 Senior population (60+) = 2,274,642 City of Chicago =396,170 Suburban Cook County =481,119

D EMOGRAPHICS - SENIORS City of Chicago 85+ = 37, = 126, = 277, = 396,170 Suburban Cook County 85+ = 54, = 168, = 342, = 481,119

D EMOGRAPHICS ( CENSUS BUREAU ) One in every eight persons - age % Reach age 65, average life expectancy will increase by 20 years female 17.1 years male 85+ is fastest growing (2030 – 2050) 2.2 million turned 65 (2006) 1.8 million died 73,674 centenaries, 0.19% population 97% increase from 1990

W HAT IS NATURAL AGING ? Besides the normal physical aging of the body (i.e. wrinkles, skin discoloration, etc.) an older person may experience the following: Diminished hearing and eyesight Lack of physical strength Slower movement and reaction time More time needed to learn new skills or recalling information Inability to regulate body temperature Body needs more time to heal

E MERGENCY R ESPONSE ALWAYS ask the older person how you can best assist them: May respond more slowly to a crisis and may not fully understand the extent of the emergency Repeat questions and answers if necessary Reassure the older person that they will receive medical assistance without fear of being placed in a nursing home Older people fear being removed from their homes Be sympathetic and understanding Explain relocation is temporary Before moving an older person, assess their ability to see and hear; adapt your rescue techniques for sensory impairments Older persons with a hearing loss may appear confused or disoriented Determine if person has a hearing aid Do the batteries work

E MERGENCY R ESPONSE CONTINUED If the older person has a vision loss, identify yourself and explain why you are there Let person hold your arm and then guide them to safety Medications Gather medications before evacuating Find out what they are for Dementia Turn off lights and sirens – sensory overload Identify yourself and explain why you are there Speak slowly, use short words in a calm voice Ask “yes” or “no” questions, repeat if necessary Maintain eye contact

A LZHEIMER ' S D ISEASE - NOT A N ORMAL P ART OF A GING With age there may be some forgetfulness The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can be confused with the normal aspect of aging Alzheimer's disease affects approximately 5 million people Progressive disease that affects the brain Can result in: Loss of memory Loss of ability to think and speak clearly Loss of ability to perform everyday tasks Changes in behavior

W HEN DISEASE INFLUENCES THE BRAIN Look directly at the older adult Talk with the person – not over him/her Get on their level – sit, kneel Use short, simple sentences Use gestures Speak slowly Be specific Allow 20 – 30 seconds minimum for response Only one person talks at a time

P LEASE CONTACT THE I LLINOIS A GING N ETWORK FOR : Outreach (face-to-face) Information & Assistance Comprehensive Care Coordination Well-being checks Self-neglect concerns Linkages to services Information on selecting a nursing facility Programs and Services for age 60+

I LLINOIS A GING N ETWORK Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) IDoA’s Senior HelpLine TTY Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Local Area Agencies on Aging Local service providers State and Federal Programs federal_book.pdf federal_book.pdf

S TATE R ESOURCES Emergency Preparedness Tips for Those with Functional Needs

R OSE C ONIGLIO S TATE D ISASTER C OORDINATOR I LLINOIS D EPARTMENT ON A GING O NE N ATURAL R ESOURCES W AY, #100 S PRINGFIELD, IL DESK CELL