Meet Rosie Powell, a 71-year-old resident of Palisades of Inwood in North Houston. For nearly a month, she has endured the summer heat without air conditioning, relying on a small portable fan.
Unlike nursing homes and assisted living centers, independent living facilities like Palisades of Inwood do not face stringent regulatory oversight. This leaves residents vulnerable during extreme weather.
Seniors living in these facilities often face life-threatening conditions without proper emergency preparedness. Rosie and her neighbors struggle to stay cool and safe as temperatures soar.
Houston City Council Member Amy Peck is advocating for local policy changes to regulate independent living communities and ensure a minimum standard of care. The time for action is now.