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n the aftermath of public health emergencies ranging from 9/11 to hurricanes Rita and Katrina, the images of devastation are fresh in the minds of all Americans. We now realize they can happen at any time to anyone. Still, if disaster were to strike in your long-term care community tomorrow, would you and your staff be ready? Would you understand the danger and be prepared to take immediate action to save lives?
       Those are the essential questions posed in this month’s cover article from Linda Hollinger-Smith, RN, PhD, FAAN, director of the “PREPARE” project for the Mather LifeWays Institute on Aging. She examines the havoc public health emergencies can wreak on a long-term care facility and outlines steps that can be taken to prepare for them.
       A report released in February by the Government Accounting Office (GAO) presents some eye-opening evidence regarding both the lack of preparation of long-term care communities and the lack of assistance provided to them by the government in times of disasters, writes Dr. Hollinger-Smith. Of particular concern is the fact that there is little emphasis in disaster training on age-appropriate care for elderly populations and their special needs when exposed to public health emergencies.
       Disaster preparedness is an ongoing process that should involve all levels of managers, staff, residents, and families, writes Dr. Hollinger-Smith. Steps that should be taken to prepare include:
• Maintaining core competencies through exercises and drills
• Demonstrating leadership skills during and after emergencies
• Forging community linkages and post-disaster backup strategies.
       Also included in this issue is news on recommendations from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to help facilities prepare for an influenza pandemic. Shifting gears, the issue also contains articles on information technology and the upcoming Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0, creating safer long-term care environments through safe-lifting programs, the management of venous leg ulcers, and proper nutrition for persons with diabetes. On behalf of the staff of ECPN, I hope you enjoy this issue. As always, thank you for reading.