Introduction
Climate-driven disasters disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, particularly elderly residents in aged care facilities. Aged care facilities contain some of the most at-risk individuals, making disaster evacuation a complex and hazardous process, with older adults particularly susceptible due to mobility issues, cognitive impairments, chronic health conditions and dependency on medical equipment (Boon et al., 2014).
This case study examines the challenges encountered during the Bundaberg floods, identifies best practises and offers recommendations for enhancing disaster preparedness and response. Drawing from a blend of academic and grey literature, it underscores the importance of integrated planning, robust communication systems and infrastructure resilience to safeguard aged care residents.
Background
In January 2013, Bundaberg, Queensland, experienced severe flooding due to Tropical Cyclone Oswald. Intense rainfall led to record-breaking flood levels in the Burnett River, inundating large areas of the city (Queensland Government, 2013). Over 4000 homes and 600 businesses were affected, with public infrastructure damage estimated at $103 million (Debbage & Fawcett, 2013; Queensland Government, 2013).
The floods caused power outages, road closures, and disruption to emergency services, resulting in mass evacuations, including several aged care facilities whose residents faced immediate risk (Bundaberg Regional Council, 2013).
Impact on age care facilities
Multiple aged care facilities in Bundaberg were severely impacted, requiring urgent evacuations. Key challenges included:
- Infrastructure damage: Floodwaters damaged electrical systems, plumbing, and accessibility features, making buildings unsafe for residents (Queensland Government, 2013).
- Loss of essential services: Power outages affected medical equipment and refrigerated medication storage, placing residents at risk (QRA, 2014).
- Evacuation logistics: Limited availability of ambulances and accessible transport delayed evacuations, increasing stress for residents and staff (Bundaberg Regional Council, 2013).
- Staffing shortages: Some workers were unable to reach facilities due to flooded roads, leaving remaining staff overwhelmed (Journey, 2014).
Lessons learned
The 2013 Bundaberg floods provided critical insights into the complexities of evacuating aged care residents during disasters, including:
- Early evacuation decisions: Facilities that delayed evacuations faced greater risks as floodwaters rose (Australian Ageing Agenda, 2013).
- Pre-established transportation plans: Struggles to secure sufficient accessible transport led to reliance on emergency services and military support (Bundaberg Regional Council, 2013).
- Communication failures: Lack of coordinated communication between providers, emergency services, and families led to confusion and delays (Queensland Government, 2013).
- Continuity of care: Some residents experienced health complications due to missing medications or lack of access to medical equipment (Queensland Government, 2013).
- Community Support: Local businesses, volunteers, and healthcare workers played a crucial role in assisting evacuees, highlighting the need for strong community partnerships in disaster planning (Bundaberg Regional Council, 2013).
Best practices for evacuations
These best practices are based on academic research, emergency management guidelines, and disaster case studies:
- Disaster preparedness: Facilities should develop individualised disaster plans and conduct regular training exercises (Boon et al. 2014).
- Communication: Use centralised systems and geospatial tools for real-time updates (Wang et al., 2023).
- Logistics and transport: Pre-arranged transport contracts and early evacuation triggers.
- Building resilience: Retrofit buildings with flood resistant designs and back-up systems (Owens, 2024; Lim et al., 2023).
- Promoting collaboration: Foster partnerships with emergency services and NGOs for resource sharing (Taylor et al., 2023).
- Medical and continuity of care: Evacuation kits and alternative care facility agreements.
- Psychosocial support: Trauma-informed care for residents and mental health support for staff.
Policy recommendations
The following policy recommendations aim to enhance the safety, efficiency, and resilience of aged care evacuations:
- Regulations and funding: Regular review and updates to regulations, and dedicated funding for disaster planning and training.
- Inter-agency coordination: Establish regional emergency networks to ensure representation at Local Disaster Management Groups (LDMGs) and on the Australian Incident Management System (AIIMS), while enhancing communication systems.
- Evacuation logistics: Implement pre-arranged transport contracts and standardised evacuation documentation.
- Medical and psychosocial support: Fund crisis counselling and develop mental health programs.
- National disaster frameworks: Establish a national taskforce to advise and advocate for best practices.
Conclusion
Evacuating vulnerable residents from aged care facilities during disasters presents significant challenges. The 2013 Bundaberg floods highlighted critical gaps which led to delayed evacuations, increased stress on residents and staff, and preventable health complications.
While improvements have been made in disaster planning for aged care since 2013, there is still room for enhancement. This case study highlights best practices for aged care evacuations.
As climate change continues to increase the frequency and severity of disasters, it’s crucial that aged care evacuation planning keeps pace. This need is even more pressing given the aging populations in Australia and many other developed countries. Proactive investment in preparedness measures will save lives and reduce the financial and logistical burden of emergency responses. Moving forward, stronger policy enforcement, collaborative disaster planning, and improved resource allocation are essential to safeguarding vulnerable populations during crises.
This case study has been developed in collaboration with Bundaberg Regional Council, CCQ Country to Coast, Local Government Association Queensland (LGAQ), Redland City Council and Queensland Police Service.
