A Haven of Last Resort: The Consequences of Evacuating Florida Nursing Home Residents to Nonclinical Buildings

Nursing home administrators (n = 15) and directors of nursing (n = 15) who worked in nursing homes during the 2004–2005 Florida hurricane season participated in a series of 6 focus groups. The purpose of the focus groups was to explore issues faced by nursing home administrators, nurses, and residents during hurricane evacuations. A primary finding was that evacuating nursing home residents to buildings that are not designed to support nursing activities (e.g., a school gymnasium or church) adversely affected resident feeding, sleeping, movement, and security. These nonclinical buildings also presented serious occupational health concerns for nursing staff members who provided care during emergencies. Recommendations for reducing patient and nursing staff injuries for those forced to evacuate to a nonclinical building as the result of an emergency event are provided.