NYC Provides Assistance To Seniors

by | Mar 28, 2016 | Bed Bug Infestation

exterminator with senior and son

NYC Provides Assistance To Seniors With Bed Bugs

NYC Provides Assistance To Seniors:  As bed bugs continue to be an ongoing problem in New York City, those hit the hardest are seniors who may have the greatest challenge with how to get rid of an infestation in their residence. Recognizing the unique problems that seniors face in dealing with this problem, the New York City Council is proposing a way to provide this group with needed assistance.

Local Law for Help with Bed Bugs

A local law has recently been recommended that will amend the New York City charter in relation to providing assistance to seniors with bed bugs in their homes.

colony of bed bugs

The New York City Bed Bug Advisory Board concluded that “if strong action is not taken quickly by the City, the impact of bed bugs on residents, business owners, and visitors will continue to increase, thereby increasing economic hardship and decreasing quality of life.

Accordingly, the Council finds that it is necessary to provide senior citizens with assistance in combating bed bugs and that it is imperative that adequate and efficient bed bug extermination procedures are consistently and continuously implemented to meet the needs of the city’s senior citizen population.”

While the local law has yet to be enacted, the expected changes will be the in relation to Section 2402 of the New York City charter, namely Sections f and g, and a new subsection, entitled h, which now reads as follows:

  • “f. to promulgate rules and regulations for the operation of facilities, services and programs under its jurisdiction; [and]”
  • “g. to maintain, operate and control such programs and facilities as may be necessary or required for the proper administration of the department[.]; and”
  • “h. to maintain, operate and control a program to provide effective assistance and support in the city for senior citizens with bed bug infestations in their dwelling to successfully eradicate such infestation, provided, however, that such assistance shall include the moving of furniture and heavy equipment, if necessary.”

It is thought that such changes will help seniors address physical challenges associated with dealing with bed bug infestations by providing them with assistance in getting rid of the pests and handling any of the heavy lifting or treatment when a senior citizen cannot do it them self.

This legislation is also intended to help publicize the needs of seniors and to help them understand that help is available to them to combat bed bugs in their home, apartment, townhouse or nursing homes.

In Review

In summarizing the news that New York City is changing its laws to help senior citizens with bed bug infestations, the following points are important to remember:

  • The infestation of bed bugs continues to increase in New York City, affecting seniors often worse than others because they are often too physically challenged to effectively deal with the problem on their own.
  • The amendments to the local law will help to provide programs and assistance to senior citizens in treating their homes and apartments, moving furniture, and providing support and information about how to take care of this insect problem.
  • The changes to the local law are thought to go into effect in the coming months as another ways of helping NYC deal with bed bugs overall.

More on bed bug infestation