Helping seniors beat the heat

WEST MICHIGAN (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – It's hot. For the third day in a row, local temperatures have hit 90 degrees. The sun has been beating down, scorching communities across West Michigan.

Folks have been doing what they can to stay cool, from swimming, to staying in the AC, to relaxing in the shade.

Tuesday was another sweltering day, and while the temperatures soared above 90 degrees, it felt worse.

For many the heat is uncomfortable, but for some the heat can cause a real health emergency. Fortunately help is available at places like Senior Services in Kalamazoo.

For Jannie Alexander, the heat is troubling. She has a medical condition that affects her lungs and which can be aggravated by extreme temperatures. The Senior Neighbors program in Kent County stepped in to help Alexander by installing a free air conditioner for her.


“I came from the hospital for two weeks and I don't want to go back,” said Alexander.

“With the air conditioning program they do have to have a prescription from their doctor's office and it has to be fore medical reasons only,” said John Neeley. “Other than that they have to be a certain income level in order to qualify for the program and not be on Medicaid.”

Senior Neighbors also offers free fans to anyone over 60. Those are paid for through the Kent County millage. Neeley says those with loved ones that are sensitive to the heat need to make sure they stay hydrated, and they should be checked on daily.

“There's also a program through the area agency on aging where they will call on a daily basis to make sure the seniors are okay,” said Neeley.

Community centers also offer a safe, cool place to go. Volunteers say up to 65 people per day have been streaming in lately.

Alexander says she's grateful for those lending a hand.

“They have helped me down through the years with different things,' said Alexander, “so I just, I'm thankful.”

Senior Services in Kalamazoo also has a fan program. They are currently looking for fan donations from big-box retailers.

Meanwhile the Senior Neighbors program in Kent County says they have had so many requests, they're almost out of fans. To donate, or if you need a fan, call 616-459-6019.