Senior Living Facility Taking Heat Seriously
Clinton Bourgeois
Story Created:
Jul 2, 2012 at 5:48 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Jul 2, 2012 at 7:41 PM EDT
As the heat wave continues across much of the United States, the elderly are among one of the most vulnerable groups at risk of heat related illness.
Flint River Senior Living is taking all necessary precautions to make sure their tenants are comfortable.
"Any outdoor activities are done early in the morning while it's still cool," said Jerry Dorriety, Executive Director of Flint River. "Just a few minutes of exposure can really drain them," said Dorriety.
Flint River cares for the elderly that may become easily distracted.
"We deal with 100% Alzheimer and other forms of dementia," said Dorriety.
Flint River's highly trained staff knows exactly what to look for if the heat has become too much for a tenant.
"Physical signs of discomfort or them being dehydrated," said Dorriety.
Hydration stations are set up throughout the facility so that residents may have access to ice cold water throughout the day.
"We really push and encourage them to drink, drink, drink," said Dorriety.
Outdoors is not off limits for a tenant who feel the need for fresh air.
"If they do go out, we go with them, we bring them back in," said Dorriety. "They have the right to go in and out as they choose, but we have to make sure they don't overexposed themselves."
And through their "Safely Somewhere" program, Flint Rivers is making sure past potential tenants are being cared for.
"During this period we are reaching out to them to make sure that they are safely somewhere and that they are being taken care of," said Dorriety.
Checkups that will be needed for at least the next week. Flint River says the indoor temperature of their facility has to remain between a state regulated 72 to 80 degrees.
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