Los Angeles organization strives to protect seniors, the most susceptible population to extreme heat
by Anne Stokes
UInlike major earthquakes or sudden tidal waves, severe heat waves are a seasonal fact of life in much of California, and are getting worse. Knowing that sizzling temperatures are coming gives us precious time to prepare for extreme heat—preparations that can save lives in our most vulnerable communities.
One excellent model for coping with hot weather is found at St. Barnabas Senior Services of Los Angeles. St. Barnabas staffers are exceptionally nimble at helping their elderly clients reduce the discomfort and peril of high temperatures.
“Older adults are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat,” says Isaac Galindo, director of communications for the 100-year-old service organization. “And isolated seniors, home-bound and without access to air conditioning, face the most risk of all.”
He explains that seniors are more susceptible than younger people to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Additionally, they may have underlying chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure, that are exacerbated by high temperatures.
“We do wellness checks during extreme heat—in person and by phone,” Galindo says. “Folks might tell us ‘I’m not doing well,’ or ‘It’s 95 degrees in my room.’ Then we make sure they have what they need.
“Our staff is trained to be on the lookout for heat stress. Last summer, a senior came to one of our sites to have breakfast. Our team noticed he had slurred speech, possibly the early sign of a stroke. We called paramedics. It turned out he had elevated high blood pressure due to the heat. He was hospitalized for three days.”
Galindo emphasizes that all of us should keep an eye on each other during hot weather.
“We encourage all our participants to reach out to their friends, neighbors, and relatives during extreme heat,” he says. “We explain that everybody has different needs and may need additional support, especially when conditions are harsh. By checking on others, you are not only making sure they are okay but are also building a lifeline for yourself.”
Before the first heat wave of the year hits, Galindo says, St. Barnabas offers online and in-person classes to show how to prepare for dangerous temperatures. “For example, our tech experts teach members to use their mobile phones so they have emergency contacts handy, receive weather alerts, and know how to look online for things like ‘cooling centers near me.’
“Our own facilities are air conditioned—we’re one of the largest cooling centers dedicated to seniors in Los Angeles. We also supply our members with home fans, hand fans, water bottles, transportation in our air-conditioned vehicles and home-delivered meals when going out is not an option. And we’ve helped members get free air conditioners with assistance from the L.A. Department of Water and Power.”
For over a century, St. Barnabas Senior Services has been serving economically vulnerable older adults in Los Angeles, helping them maintain their independence, reduce isolation, and improve their health. To learn more, go online to www.sbssla.org or call (213) 388-4444.
Beat the Heat
- Extreme heat is dangerous to the elderly, pregnant, and children under 5. Check your heat risk at heatready.ca.gov.
- Stay inside air conditioned locations like at home, a library, mall, community center or call 2-1-1 to find a cooling station
- Restrict outdoor activities to the coolest part of the day or evening
- Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty but avoid beverages with sugar, sodium, caffeine and alcohol
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Check on family members and neighbors, especially those who live alone
For more information on how to stay safe in extreme heat and other emergencies, visit www.listoscalifornia.org.
