Cold weather is hitting 60 million people today with another winter storm blowing across the country. The Weather Channel is full of reports of tornadoes, floods and record daily snowfall totals in many states. Days like today are really tough on senior citizens in our communities living on fixed incomes. Many do not have the funds to make the necessary weathering changes to limit the impact of this storm.
In fact, many seniors are using space heaters to keep warm in times like these. The National Fire Protection Association has again issued important warnings about the use of space heaters. Forty three percent of 2018 home heating fires started with space heaters. As a result, tragically five out of every six home heating deaths stem from the same.
Elderly people frequently use space heaters to limit heating bills. In fact, space heaters offer the convenience of sitting close to the heat source for a rapid response and easy to use.
The dangers of space heaters
1. Forgetting to shut it off
2. Carbon monoxide poisoning
3. Electrical cords catching fire
4. Knocking over the heater and catching fire
Caregivers and seniors aging at home struggle to balance the cost of utilities with the benefit of heating rooms no longer in use or rarely used. Home repairs can be time consuming and too difficult for seniors with physical limitations.
Lastly, the Credit For Caring resource guide can help with finding some alternatives to home repairs. Credit For Caring aims to recover some of your personal time and energy with our care management tools and resources. We believe that preserving human dignity and independence rank as the highest human aspiration despite any physical limitations that beset us. Our healthcare team believes in proactive planning for life’s what if’s.
