Seniors Being Moved to Protect Safety

Owners of Cook Villa, an unlicensed home for seniors in Bridgewater, were advised on Dec. 12, that seven of their 12 residents must be moved by 4 p.m. today, Dec. 13, to protect their safety.

An inspection conducted by the Fire Marshal at the request of the Department of Health showed that the seven residents were unable to leave the building within a period of time that would allow them to survive a fire.

"Our primary concern is for the safety of residents and their ability to evacuate safely in the event of a fire or other emergency," said provincial Fire Marshal Robert Cormier.

"I understand this is difficult for the residents and their families," said Health Minister Jamie Muir. "As minister of health, my first responsibility is the safety of the residents. A move now is better than a tragedy later."

The department is offering residents temporary spaces in the nearest nursing homes with vacancies. These are in Liverpool, Bridgetown and Granville Ferry. Residents can request a permanent space in a nursing home of their choice by contacting the Department of Health for placement on the centralized waiting list. The Department of Health is also helping arrange transportation.

Statistics show that the elderly tend to be at a higher risk for injury or death from fire than younger people.