In the United States, almost 60% of all homes were built before 1980 (US Census, 2011).  In New York and the Northeast, this rises to 80% or more.  In update Upstate New York including Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse this represents over 70% of all homes, whether they are owner occupied or rented (US Census).   These older homes often contain many hazards effecting our health, and are the source of a lot of medical problems.

In 1997, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reduced the use of lead from 0.05 to 0.06 percent under the 1971 Lead Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (CPSC, 1977) .  Lead has been used in consumer goods and the workplace for thousands of years.  It’s only in recent times have we learned about the toxic effects.  Lead particle ingested or inhaled can poison us causing neurological, renal, and cardiovascular and reproduction illnesses.

Older homes can present a number of others hazards. For example, the common house mouse is the primary host responsible for carrying an infectious virus known as Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis. The virus is transmitted via fresh fecal material, saliva or nesting materials that are inhaled or absorb through the nose, eye, or open wound (CDC, 2007).  Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis (also referred to as LCM) may present as aseptic meningitis, or encephalitis, causing inflammation of the brain, spinal cord, and meninges (CDC).

Radon gases, molds and other carcinogens often are presents in older homes. Many of these dwellings do not meeting current building codes and have inherent fire hazards.  Many homeowners have Home Inspectors test their dwelling for these hazards and offer way to mitigate the problems.  Many rented homes do not enjoy the benefits of this testing, nor do most certificates of occupancy call for such remediation.  Over 44% of the dwellings in New York State are rental units and over 30% in Upstate New York (Census).  Seniors and children occupy about 39% of these homes (Census).  Who are the most vulnerable segments of our population.

References:

2010 U.S. Census. (2011). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved February 7, 2012, from http://factfinder2.census.gov/faces/nav/jsf/pages/searchresults.xhtml?refresh=t

CPSC Announces Final Ban On Lead-Containing Paint. (1977). U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Retrieved February 7, 2012, from http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml77/77096.html

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis. (2007). Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved January 12, 2012, from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/lcmv/qa.htm

Best Wishes,

James Carroll

A senior falls and becomes injured every 17 seconds, and one senior dies from a fall every 30 seconds in the United States (NCIPC, 2006). The associated medical costs with these deaths exceed $380 million dollars and total health care cost for seniors falls is over $23 billion in 2005 (CDC, 2011). Taking simple precautions could reduce these injuries and cost by 40% (CDC, 2008). It’s estimated by 2020 cost of fall injuries will exceed $54 billion. Over 40% of the housing occupied by seniors in the United States is not safe (CDC).

I would bet that everyone knows a senior who has fallen at home and had difficulty getting help. It could be a relative, friends, or parent. I work part time as an EMT and many of our calls are to render aid to seniors. There are program in your communities to get senior help. Check with your town and counties offices.

Some communities have created NORCs (Natural Occurring Retirement Communities). A NORC is a community group that provides resources for elderly and their families to improve the quality of life (Asterhill, 2009). An example is providing transportation for seniors to get to medical appointments or grocery stores, or assist them in making physical modifications to a dwelling.

There are intervention strategies underway by CDC. They have aggressive education and home modification programs for prevention with community partners throughout the country. The focus is on seniors, family members, health care givers, and medical professionals (CDC).  While the CDC’s programs are making gains, many low income seniors fall between the cracks.  We need to strengthen our relationships between municipalities, community organizations, and health care providers.  Helping those in need helps the community become a richer place to live.

References:

-Cazenovia: Senior Housing Study. (2009). Asterhill Incorporated. Retrieved from: http://asterhill.com/files/CazStudy_Sep_09.pdf
-Falls – Older Adults. (2011). Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved August from: http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/index.html
-Preventing Falls: How to Develop Community-based Fall Prevention Programs for Older Adults. (2008). Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/.
-What You Can Do to Prevent Falls. (2006). Nation Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/healthmarketing/hminaction.htm#campaigns.