Bed Bug Invasions Becoming A Problem For Elderly Housing

Bed Bug Invasions Becoming a Problem for Elderly Housing

by

Laine McKenna

Bed bugs have plagued everywhere from five-star hotels to large department stores to hospitals. But their most recent invasions certainly give reason for concern, especially given the residents who live there elderly housing.

Elderly housing constitutes anything from apartment homes designed to accommodate the needs of elder residents who value their independence to assisted living facilities with doctors and nurses on staff providing around-the-clock care to residents age 65 and older.

This past summer, residents at MLF Towers in downtown St. Petersburg complained of bed bug infestation, reports Tampa Bay s WTSP Channel 10 News. Residents began discovering bites on their legs. Others could even feel the bugs on their backs and couldn t scratch them due to mobility issues and wheelchair confinement. The apartment complex s corporate office was unresponsive to the matter.

Residents across the street at Lutheran Apartments began complaining of the same problems. One resident said she could actually see the bugs from across the room, crawling around on her bed. Many of these residents had to throw away their belongings, pack up the remaining items, and leave, which is very difficult on people who are older and have physical limitations.

Just like MLF Towers, Lutheran Apartments apartment management was unreachable for comment, signifying these facilities have either stretched themselves too thin in providing affording housing, or management simply is apathetic to the needs of residents. Either way, bed bug infestations pose serious health code violations and are even more serious for those who are elderly and have compromised immune systems.

When people place their relatives in retirement homes or assist them in finding an apartment, they do so with the faith that their loved ones will be looked after and tended to, should problems arise. This is why it s imperative that you do your homework prior to moving them into these places. You should also demand accessibility to management staff.

If the apartment or assisted living facility staff is unresponsive or it takes days to get a call back from anyone, this is not the place for you or your loved one. If certain standards aren t expected of residents or of the people who work there, in making it a safe place to live, this isn t the place for you or your loved one.

If you suspect the place you live, or the place your loved one lives had bed bugs, contact management at your residence. Under Florida law, rental property owners are required to make provisions for bed bugs determination. If this doesn t happen, contact the Florida Health Department to report a bed bug violation.

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