E - Elderly and Electrical

Elderly

Almost twice as many people over the age of 50 now die in dwelling fires in the UK each year compared to those under 50. This is potentially due to a variety of biological and social factors that can affect our lives as we grow older.

Health

• Will the individual be able to HEAR the alarm?
• Will the individual be able to SEE or recognise signs of a fire?
• Will the individual be able to recognise the SMELL of smoke?
• Will the individual RECOGNISE the sound of the smoke alarm and know how to react?
• Is the individual frail or at risk of FALLS?
• CAPACITY? Just because someone makes an unwise decision, does not mean they lack mental capacity

The likelihood of sensory impairment increases with age and this may have a detrimental effect on an individual’s awareness of a fire until it is too late. A conventional smoke alarm may not be audible to the hearing impaired. A decreased sense of smell may result in a smouldering fire going undetected, and loss of touch reduces the ability to detect heat changes.

Age is also the strongest known risk factor for dementia - above 65, a person’s risk of developing dementia doubles roughly every 5 years. Dementia can affect an individual’s memory, concentration, recognition of our surroundings and ability to problem-solve, especially in unfamiliar situations. Each of these factors may impact on the ability to respond to a fire appropriately.

Overall, a variety of health conditions decrease our ability to survive an injury or cope with a traumatic experience.

Social changes

Sadly, adults may find themselves living alone in older age following the death of a partner. The Social Institute for Clinical Excellence recognises that bereavement, as well as loss of friends, reduced mobility or limited income, can leave older people vulnerable to social isolation.

As we have already seen, living alone with few social contacts is highly correlated with the risk of fire fatality.

Some older people also live in conditions that increase the likelihood of a fire occurring and prevent escape. They may live with open fires or ineffective or poorly maintained heating / cooking appliances which increase the risk of fire, carbon monoxide poisoning and hypothermia.

Electrical

Overloaded sockets

• 13 AMP rule, a maximum of a total of 13 AMPS into 1 socket.
• Better to use a bar adaptor (multi board) on a lead than a block adaptor.
• Only one adaptor per socket-Check for adaptors plugged into other adaptors
• One plug per socket

Other concerns

• Electrical blankets - left on or in poor condition - these are risks
• Cluttered wiring - can cause trip hazards - can disguise poor condition of wiring
• Fan / Space heaters - can lead to surface heat locally - can be left on without thermostatic controls
• Devices on charge under bedding or left unattended - examples include phones left on overnight or use of chargers not conforming to current standards

CHARLIE-P Score

CHARLIE-P recognises that the risks from fire increases exponentially from the age of 50, and assigns scores higher scores based on age.

The CHARLIE-P score should also reflect the level of electrical safety and awareness of the occupier at the time of the visit.

1. 1 - Rare - No concerns

2. 2 - Unlikely

   Electrical risks identified but resolved during visit

3. 4 - Possible

   Electrical risks identified - support needed to resolve but sound awareness of electrical safety

   This score is used if once changes are made, electrical safety can be maintained. The individual needs support from family, professionals or carers to resolve issues, but there are no concerns that they can maintain electrical safety.

4. 8 - Likely

   Electrical risks identified - ongoing support needed due to poor awareness of electrical safety

   This score is used if the person will need ongoing, regular support from family or carers to maintain any improvements electrical safety. This may be because they cannot understand, retain or apply safety advice (e.g. due to memory problems).

5. 10 - Extremely Likely

   Risks identified - Client unable / unwilling to resolve Any of the examples of poor electrical safety above, plus:

   • dangerous environment - burn marks on wallpaper, sockets, appliances
   • unwillingness to engage or to change dangerous use of electrics
   • hoarding behaviour impacts on electrical safety
   • financial restrictions impacting on ability to change environment
   • significant support required from Social Services / Housing authority to rectify issues