News By Readers
Warming up to seniors
Weldon Alexander is shown with Sylvia Kaya, case manager.
By Mary Joiner
As I write this article today we’ve had a long cold spell and I’m envisioning myself sitting before a warm fire in my slippers this winter. Sadly this cozy picture isn’t the reality for everyone when temperatures drop.
My husband and I are fortunate to still have three of our parents with us at ages 92, 91 and 85. They live in their own homes, and with a little help from time to time are able to manage on their own. When we took my parents on a trip to the mountains recently, though, we noticed a change. While we were thrilled to be in the crisp mountain air again, my parents had a very hard time enjoying themselves because they couldn’t seem to keep warm even though it was sunny with temperatures in the 40s and 50s and we were keeping the cabin very toasty.
You may also have noticed that older folks often feel cold when younger people are very comfortable. Many seniors like their homes heated to a higher temperature just to be comfortable. It’s a medical fact that as we age, our bodies don’t adapt as well to extremes in temperature. From a financial standpoint, cooler temperatures mean more older adults will come to our organization, Senior Adult Services, for help in paying higher gas bills.
While direct financial assistance has never been our major focus, we do try to help people when they are hit with unusual expenses because we know that even the best thought out budget can be overwhelmed by unexpected medical bills or other emergencies.
We need your help to make sure that seniors are able to stay warm this winter. During the months of January and February, we are collecting blankets to keep seniors warm at night and as they relax during the day. Cash donations to pay utility bills will help when seniors are having a financial crisis. We invite individuals and groups to support our “Warm Hearts - Warm Toes” drive.
Call us at (972) 242-4464 to find out how you can participate and help spread some warmth this winter. You’ll feel great knowing that while you’re enjoying your hot chocolate by the fire, your older neighbors are feeling safe and comfortable at home, too.
My husband and I are fortunate to still have three of our parents with us at ages 92, 91 and 85. They live in their own homes, and with a little help from time to time are able to manage on their own. When we took my parents on a trip to the mountains recently, though, we noticed a change. While we were thrilled to be in the crisp mountain air again, my parents had a very hard time enjoying themselves because they couldn’t seem to keep warm even though it was sunny with temperatures in the 40s and 50s and we were keeping the cabin very toasty.
You may also have noticed that older folks often feel cold when younger people are very comfortable. Many seniors like their homes heated to a higher temperature just to be comfortable. It’s a medical fact that as we age, our bodies don’t adapt as well to extremes in temperature. From a financial standpoint, cooler temperatures mean more older adults will come to our organization, Senior Adult Services, for help in paying higher gas bills.
While direct financial assistance has never been our major focus, we do try to help people when they are hit with unusual expenses because we know that even the best thought out budget can be overwhelmed by unexpected medical bills or other emergencies.
We need your help to make sure that seniors are able to stay warm this winter. During the months of January and February, we are collecting blankets to keep seniors warm at night and as they relax during the day. Cash donations to pay utility bills will help when seniors are having a financial crisis. We invite individuals and groups to support our “Warm Hearts - Warm Toes” drive.
Call us at (972) 242-4464 to find out how you can participate and help spread some warmth this winter. You’ll feel great knowing that while you’re enjoying your hot chocolate by the fire, your older neighbors are feeling safe and comfortable at home, too.
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