Citation

Ashida S, Zhu X, Robinson EL, Schroer A. J. Gerontol. Soc. Work 2018; 61(7): 735-750.

Affiliation

Department of Community and Behavioral Health , The University of Iowa College of Public Health , Iowa City , IA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/01634372.2018.1474157

PMID

29771200

Abstract

This study investigated the roles and interconnections among community organizations belonging to local disaster coalitions in Midwest in supporting older residents. Representatives from 44 organizations participated in one-time survey. Most were non-profit (68%) or federal/state/local government agencies (23%). The analyses of 761 relationships showed stronger collaborations in assessment (average strength=2.88 on a 5-point scale), emergency response (2.72), and planning (2.61); and weaker collaborations in co-sponsoring programs (1.71) and supporting older residents (2.03). The extent of collaboration (network density) to support older adults was also low. Coalitions may enhance network density and centralization by developing sub-committee structure and strengthening existing collaborations.

Language: en

Keywords

Preparedness; coalitions; older adults; rural community; social networks