One Senior to be Moved for Safety

The owner of Happy Haven was advised today, Jan. 17, by the fire marshal and the Department of Health that one of the home's seven residents needs to move by Friday, Jan. 24. Happy Haven is an unlicensed home for seniors in Petite Riviere, Lunenburg County. The resident is unable to escape a fire without assistance.

A fire drill was held on Tuesday, Jan. 7, by the fire marshal at the request of the Department of Health.

"I know a move is difficult for seniors and families," said Health Minister Jane Purves. "That's why we work with families to make the move as smooth as possible. Changing residence is definitely the better course of action given that the alternative is a risk to life."

The Department of Health has offered the family help in finding a new location, and the move will be made with the utmost concern for the resident's health and well-being.

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

In light of concerns about six unlicensed homes for seniors throughout Nova Scotia, the Department of Health asked the fire marshal in December 2002 for inspections. Happy Haven is the fourth home to be inspected and the third that required a resident relocation. The homes that presented the highest concerns for fire safety were inspected first.