Today, Representatives Lois Frankel (FL-21), and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27) introduced a bipartisan bill, the Protecting Seniors During Disasters Act, to analyze how senior citizens and nursing home residents can be better cared for during natural disasters. Senators Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio introduced a companion bill in the Senate.

Natural disasters cause unique concerns for residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and senior communities. Because many seniors live alone they may be unaccounted for in times of emergency and left without necessary care. Power outages can cause life threatening problems for seniors who rely on elevators or special medical equipment and who are more likely to succumb to lack of air conditioning during intense heat. After Hurricane Irma, 11 seniors died in a nursing home in Hollywood, Florida, a matter currently under investigation.

“Hurricane Irma here in Florida made it abundantly clear that our seniors are at much greater risk for harm than the general population,” said Congresswoman Lois Frankel. “The tragedy of the Hollywood nursing home where more than 10 patients died due to an apparent lack of air conditioning in sweltering conditions must never be repeated."

“The shocking reality of 11 gruesome deaths at a South Florida nursing home after Hurricane Irma ripped through our area will spur many changes to procedures and regulations guiding these institutions and we hope that our bill will help to protect vulnerable seniors,” said Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen. “The bill introduced by my friend and colleague, Lois, and me will mandate that we analyze how seniors can be better cared for during natural disasters and provide recommendations that can be implemented to help save lives. Our bill would ensure that proper disaster plans and responses would be in place for nursing homes.” 

This legislation will bring together top government officials and local disaster relief experts to evaluate ways communities can protect vulnerable seniors during natural disasters.

You can view a copy of the bill text here.