A call to ensure safety of elders’ homes

At least 12 elderly persons succumbed to injuries following the fire that engulfed an elders’ home in Batagoda, Horana. The incident raises questions regarding the safety of individuals residing in elders’ homes. These issues have come to light on many occasions but the authorities have turned a blind eye. This incident calls for a national level initiative to regulate elders’ homes and even children’s homes because their safety needs to be ensured. Incidents of neglect have often been reported from various elders’ homes in the country, mainly in remote areas where the conditions in which the elderly have to live in are appalling. The recent incident underscores the need to have fire extinguishers and other equipment at all commercial establishments, especially where there are vulnerable individuals such as elders. The survivors need to be kept under medical supervision as they may be in a state of shock. The cause of fire is not yet known and many have raised questions as to whether there were proper fire exits in case of an emergency. Were there fire alarms installed? Were there enough staff to rescue these elders? What are the authorities responsible to inspect these establishments regularly? People are looking for answers but the damage has already been done. 

Kishani Silva

Battaramulla