Special Needs Shelters Not Only as Evacuation Sites but Also as Access Points to Medical Care: A Case Report from the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.

The 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake forced many residents to evacuate to Special Needs Shelters (SNS)-facilities designed to accept individuals requiring special consideration, such as older adults and those with sensory disabilities. This case report describes a woman in her 90s with untreated cataracts and hearing loss, who was neglected and abused by her son. After evacuation, she was diagnosed with cataracts at the shelter and referred for surgery, significantly improving her vision and her ability to undertake activities of daily living. SNS can serve as a gateway to medical services for those deprived of adequate health care. Integrating medical services into disaster response plans and deploying professionals at these shelters is crucial for improving health outcomes and quality of life for vulnerable individuals. This case highlights how appropriate shelter services with seamless medical care connections can enhance evacuees' long-term well-being beyond the immediate disaster response.