Helping The Older Population In Extreme Summer Heat

MEDIA–With the first excessive heat warning for 2012 issued over the Memorial Day weekend, Delaware County Council announced that the county’s heat plan is in place, and assistance is available for elderly and vulnerable residents throughout the summer months.

The County Office of Services of the Aging (COSA) has a Heat Plan for the county that includes:

• A heat information line
• Extended hours at senior centers
• Educational information on heat safety tips, dehydration, and safe use of fans

The Heat Information Line at (610) 872-1558 is a 24-hour phone service that typically runs June 1 through September 30, providing residents with heat advisory updates and information. People who need additional assistance can contact the COSA Information and Assistance service at (610) 490-1300.

COSA offers the following heat safety tips:

• drink plenty of fluids (in consultation with your physician regarding medication and fluids)
• wear lightweight clothing
• stay indoors or seek relief at a senior center, mall or friend’s house who has air-conditioning
• avoid strenuous activity
• limit alcohol or beverages containing caffeine

County councilman Mario Civera said the Delaware County Heat Plan calls for senior centers and adult day care centers to extend their hours, to offer water and non-caffeinated beverages throughout the day, and to reinforce with service-provider drivers to check on consumers.

COSA has a limited number of fans available for senior residents in need of assistance.

Care managers are asked to identify “at risk” consumers who are homebound, living alone or have a prior history of inadequate cooling in their home.

When the elderly and chronically ill don’t have protection from the heat, such as air-conditioning and plenty of fluids, they can develop serious health effects.

The National Weather Service describes a heat wave as three or more days when the temperature is 90 degrees or higher.