EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Hal B. Goode, Executive Director
As the summer sun shines brightly upon us, I hope this newsletter finds you all in good health and high spirits. At Central Kentucky Community Action, we continue our commitment to serving and supporting all members of our community, with a particular focus this month on our cherished seniors.
The summer season can bring both joy and challenges for our older adults. While many seniors look forward to enjoying the warm weather and engaging in outdoor activities, it is crucial that we also ensure their safety and well-being during these months. In this article, I would like to share some valuable information and tips on how we can help our seniors make the most of their summer while prioritizing their safety.
1. Stay Hydrated and Beat the Heat: High temperatures during summer can pose risks, especially for seniors. Encourage them to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Provide information about the signs of dehydration and heatstroke, such as dizziness, confusion, or excessive sweating. It is also helpful to remind them to avoid direct exposure to the sun during peak hours and to seek shade whenever possible.
2. Check-In Regularly: Loneliness and isolation can intensify during the summer months when family members and friends may be away on vacation. Encourage community members to regularly check in on their senior neighbors, friends, and relatives. A simple phone call, a visit, or organizing social events can make a significant difference in combating social isolation and ensuring their well-being.
3. Provide Transportation Support: Help seniors access transportation for medical appointments, grocery shopping, or social engagements. Offer assistance in coordinating rides through local community transportation services, volunteer programs, or by organizing a carpooling system within the neighborhood. Ensuring reliable transportation options will help seniors remain active and engaged in the community. Our CATS Transportation stands ready to assist.
4. Safety in the Outdoors: Outdoor activities are enjoyable, but it is important to remind seniors about safety precautions. Encourage them to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, apply sunscreen regularly, and wear a hat and sunglasses to protect against harmful UV rays. Provide information about the risks of insect bites and the importance of using insect repellents when spending time outdoors.
5. Home Safety Checks: Arrange for home safety inspections to identify and address potential hazards that may be more prevalent during the summer. Ensure that seniors have proper ventilation, fans, or air conditioning to keep their homes cool. Check for loose rugs, slippery floors, or other tripping hazards that could lead to falls.
6. Emergency Preparedness: Educate seniors about emergency preparedness measures. Provide them with resources to create an emergency kit containing essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlights, and a battery-powered radio. Encourage them to develop an emergency plan and share it with a trusted neighbor or family member.
Remember, a small act of kindness can brighten someone’s day and have a lasting impact on their lives. Let’s come together as a community and ensure that our beloved seniors have a safe and enjoyable summer season.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our community’s well-being. Together, we can make a difference.
More to come…………much more………………