SALT LAKE COUNTY, Utah – With the weather warming up, Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services is reminding everyone to watch out for elderly neighbors. For seniors who are homebound, they rely on others to check up on them to make sure they’re staying cool.
Patrick McEnany delivers 40 to 60 meals a day to seniors in Salt Lake County as part of the Meals on Wheels program.
“There’s something that intrinsic reward where we’re trying to look out for other people,” McEnany said.
With an expected high in the upper 90s Monday, he’s also making sure their homes are cool.
“They’re our eyes and ears so they know the people they are visiting and if they see something that doesn’t look right, they’ll notify our office. They have family members they can notify,” said Peter Hebertson, with the Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services Outreach Program Manager.
Herbertson said this time of year calls to assist the elderly increase.
So it’s an important everyone keep an eye out on their well-being. The most important thing seniors forget to do is to stay hydrated.
“Drink plenty of water. Not only is that important to keep the body cool, but it’s also very critical for people taking a lot of medications,” Herbertson said.
If seniors can get around of their own, they have the Cool Zone option.
“If their place is really hot and they just need to get out of the heat, they can go at a local senior center. We have transportation options that are available as well,” Herbertson said.
There are several Cool Zones across Salt Lake County. They are extending their hours for summer. Click HERE for more information.
