CASI will soon be giving away hundreds of box-style fans to residents in the area as part of its “Be a Fan to Seniors” program.
To get ready for this program, CASI is now accepting new 20-inch box style fans or $20 donations to buy a new fan.
Last year, CASI had requests for and provided over 200 fans. Fans can be donated in person or money can be online at CASISeniors.org or by mail to CASI, 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA 52806.
Summer months can be extremely dangerous for older adults. Medical studies show that people 65 years or older are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature due to health conditions and medications. CASI’s Senior Advocacy Department encourages friends, family, and neighbors to check on older adults more frequently during days of extreme heat.
It is important to check in on older adults daily and ask the following questions.
- Are you drinking enough water?
- Do you have access to air conditioning?
- Do you know how to keep cool?
- Are you able to stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible?
When checking on older family members and neighbors, make sure that they are not doing the following:
- Relying on a fan as their primary cooling device during an extreme heat event.
- Drinking more water than usual and not waiting until they are thirsty to drink
- Continually using the stove or oven to cook—it will make the individual and their house hotter
Encourage older adults to do the following if they are hot:
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
- Check the local news for health and safety updates.
- Seek medical care immediately if you have, or someone you know has, symptoms of heat-related illness like muscle cramps, headaches, nausea, or vomiting.
For more information about summer heat relief or on how to get a free fan, call CASI’s Senior Advocacy Department, at (563) 386-7477.
