Challenges and Implications of Providing Continuous Care for the Elderly in Disaster Situations: A Case Study from the Noto Peninsula Earthquake

Disaster Med Public Health Prep. 2024 Dec 9:18:e307. doi: 10.1017/dmp.2024.161.

Abstract

On January 1, 2024, an earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of 7 struck the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan, causing significant casualties and displacement. The Noto Peninsula has a high aging rate, with 49.5% of its population aged 65 or older. This case study focuses on a 68-year-old woman who developed aspiration pneumonia after being admitted to a welfare shelter. The case highlights the challenges of managing chronic medical care during disasters, particularly for the elderly.

Keywords: Communication; Delivery of Health Care; Disaster Medicine; Disasters; Earthquakes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Continuity of Patient Care / standards
  • Continuity of Patient Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Earthquakes* / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Pneumonia, Aspiration / therapy