30 years ago, 20 years ago, even 5 years ago their home was safe. Dad added a taped extension cord, then an unsafe space heater, ignored the burned out light bulbs too high to reach and the hazards just happened until the unthinkable occurred. Nobody suspected they would die of the hazard. It just happened one night. The contractor came to check the furnace didn’t notice the crumbling chimney that blocked the furnace. He only saw the furnace. Nobody knew it was time to check the safety of their home.
Many of these senior home owners are ill or unable to address issues such as changing a light bulb, a loose hand rail on the stair, a carpet that is wrinkled to be a trip hazard. Many don’t go down into their basement any more, where there may have been a moisture problem and as a result may have mould growing there leading to illness. Unless the source is known it would be hard to diagnose and treat. Other systems in the home could contribute to an illness like the furnace. It has been working fine all these years what could be wrong? Plenty. Carbon monoxide gas could be leaking from the system and cause an illness or even death. Even the parents of Walt Disney were the victims of carbon monoxide poisoning in their own home. Sometimes unsafe conditions are created by fraud or poor workmanship by contractors. In many instances, unhealthy conditions such as mould or carbon monoxide in a home make the occupants health much worse than it would be if the environment was healthy.
You have help to visit the doctor, and “Meals on Wheels “to bring you food. You have visiting nurses and other in home care providers. YOU WANT TO STAY IN YOUR HOME, but what can you do to protect your home safety … the center for disease Control states that home hazards are one of senior’s most significant health risks. NOW THERE IS SOME HELP !
The Senior Home Safety Checkup Network is a national network of inspection professionals dedicated to keeping seniors safe in their homes.
David Andres is available for speaking presentations to groups such as concerned citizens groups or home health caregivers interested in the health and safety of seniors, our most vulnerable citizens. He can be contacted for speaking engagements before concerned groups at :
Dave@accuinspect.ca or phone (519) 266-4709 1(866) 266-4729
