Agency Urges Citizens to Check on Elderly

During these days of extreme heat and a large portion of Ohio without power, The area Agency on Aging is urging those in the community to step to the plate to take care of those most vulnerable people.

The Area Agency on Aging reminds you to check on older adult friends, neighbors, and family members.

“It only takes a moment to make a phone call or knock on a door to check on an older adult,” explained AAA9 Executive Director Jim Endly. “Seniors without power, without a way to keep cool and who may be unable call for assistance are the most vulnerable.”

The Area Agency on Aging released the following information to consider while checking on the elderly in your neighborhood:

Determine if they have special needs that they cannot meet without assistance.

Make sure elderly citizens know where community cooling centers are; Communities within a 2-1-1 Call Center, like Muskingum Morgan and Perry counties, can find information there.

Monitor local radio and TV stations for information.

Remind older citizens to keep cell phones turned on so loved ones can get a hold of them.

Make sure elderly citizens have a source of water to stay hydrated and make sure they have food.  If their refrigerator is not working, warn them about spoilage.

Call your pharmacist or physician for safety and stability information of medications which need refrigeration.

Invite elders or any other vulnerable individual to stay with you so you can keep an eye on their health.

If needed, the Area Agency on Agency recommends taking elders to cooling centers or to locations with power.