A new KQED investigation finds that more than a third of senior care facilities are at heightened risk for wildfires. Many aren’t ready for emergencies. That risk will continue to grow as California’s population ages. Officials estimate that, a decade from now, there will be 8.6 million residents over age 65, increasing the demand for home health and long-term care services. The coronavirus pandemic makes it even harder for facilities to prepare for wildfire emergencies — efforts many say were insufficient. We’ll hear about KQED’s investigation.
Thousands of Elder Care Homes at Heightened Risk of Wildfire, KQED Finds
A new KQED investigation finds that more than a third of long-term senior care facilities are at heightened risk for wildfires. Many aren't ready for emergencies. That risk will continue to grow as California’s population ages. Officials estimate that there will be 8.6 million residents over the age of 65 a decade from now and many of them will live in one of the 10,000 long-term care homes across the state. The coronavirus pandemic has slowed down state efforts to prepare for wildfire emergencies -- efforts many say were insufficient. We’ll hear about KQED’s investigation.
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A vineyard in Santa Rosa, California, burns on October 11, 2017 (Photo: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images)
Guests:
Molly Peterson, data reporter and senior producer, KQED
Lisa Pickoff-White, science reporter, KQED News