2012 WHOLE COMMUNITY CONFERENCE

SENIORS

Rose Coniglio, State Disaster Coordinator

Illinois Department on Aging

DEMOGRAPHICS(2010 CENSUS POPULATION UPDATE)

Illinois population = 12,830,632Cook County = 5,194,675

City of Chicago = 2,695,598Suburban Cook County = 2,499,077

Senior population (60+) = 2,274,642City of Chicago =396,170Suburban Cook County =481,119

DEMOGRAPHICS - SENIORS

City of Chicago85+ = 37,03375+ = 126,83765+ = 277,93260+ = 396,170

Suburban Cook County85+ = 54,34475+ = 168,97165+ = 342,39760+ = 481,119

DEMOGRAPHICS(CENSUS BUREAU)

One in every eight persons - age 65+ 12.4% Reach age 65, average life expectancy will

increase by20 years female17.1 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

WHAT 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

EMERGENCY RESPONSE 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

EMERGENCY RESPONSE 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

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE - NOT A NORMAL PART OF AGING

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

WHEN 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

PLEASE CONTACT THE ILLINOIS AGING NETWORK 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+

ILLINOIS AGING NETWORK

Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) www.state.il.us/aging/

IDoA’s Senior HelpLine800-252-8966888-206-1327 TTY

Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Local Area Agencies on Aging866-800-1409

Local service providers State and Federal Programs

http://www.state.il.us/aging/1news_pubs/publications/state-federal_book.pdf

STATE RESOURCES

www.ready.illinois.gov Emergency Preparedness Tips for Those with

Functional Needs

ROSE CONIGLIOSTATE DISASTER COORDINATORILLINOIS DEPARTMENT ON AGING

ONE NATURAL RESOURCES WAY, #100SPRINGFIELD, IL 62702

217-785-3372 DESK 217-720-4808 CELLrose.coniglio@illinois.gov