Tips for keeping senior citizens safe in the heat

NEWARK, N.J. (PIX11) -- The current heat wave can be dangerous for anybody, but senior citizens are particularly vulnerable.

Older individuals are more likely to suffer from dehydration and other heat-related illnesses.

Professional caregivers stress the importance of physically checking in on elderly loved ones and neighbors.

“Just ring the doorbell – check on them,” said Seth Weisleder, agency director of Caring Senior Service of Essex County. “Our biggest concern is our dementia and Alzheimer’s clients who forget, ‘Did I drink a cup of water? Did I eat today?’”

Weisleder said that it’s important to check that air conditioning units are properly functioning and in use. “There’s a potential that because they live alone and maybe the family members haven’t been there, that it’s not working,” said Weisleder.

Weisleder also recommends making sure older individuals are dressed appropriately in light, loose-fitting clothing. He recommends skipping afternoon outdoor walks in favor of evening walks or indoor walks at a local mall.

At Essex Plaza, an apartment complex in Newark for residents ages 62 and older, Social Services Director Joy Black conducts daily wellness checks on residents. “In the heat…we’re making sure they have water,” said Black. “[We’re] checking on them. Every unit has air conditioning. Our community room has air conditioning. And today, they’re gonna play Bingo.”

Newark’s senior centers are also doubling as cooling centers. Transportation to and from the centers is free for center members. Membership is free, following completion of a health survey.

A full list of Newark’s senior citizen centers can be found online.