Analysis of emergency preparedness education and training in personal care homes

This research is of public health significance because it examines the level of preparedness in personal care homes and helps to obtain a better understanding of whether disaster preparedness education and training is sufficient for the residents and employees. This topic has been getting more attention since Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 and other recent disasters. This project questions if Personal Care Homes receive proper emergency preparedness education and training for both residents and employees by assessing preparedness factors. Demographic information was collected along with the number of residents in the facilities with disabilities. A correlation was found between the percentage of residents with a hearing impairment and the total number of residents in the facility. The Preparedness factors were analyzed by required, non-required and the level of preparedness is determined by the sum of the factors. The required preparedness factors were established by using the PA Title 55 Licensing Requirements for the Personal Care Homes. The required preparedness factor analysis discovered that 48% were not compliant with state of Pennsylvania state regulations. The non-required preparedness factor analysis showed a lack of preparedness and the combined analysis had only 2 Personal Care Homes in the 95 percentile. In conclusion, residents of personal care homes in Allegheny County are more vulnerable during a disaster due to the lack of education and training of the staff and volunteers and the training and education requirements should be assessed by the Department of Public Welfare to improve preparedness.