Allegheny County Residents Encouraged to
“Check in on Elderly Neighbors” During Severe Weather

Pittsburgh – Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato encourages all county residents to check on the safety and well being of their elderly neighbors during times of severe weather.

“The well-being of our older adult citizens is very important. We want to make sure that we all do our part in seeing that they are kept safe during the times of cold weather and snow storms that our region has been experiencing,” said Dan Onorato. “This may mean going a little out of our way to check in on our elderly neighbors, but it is very important that we do so.”
“This entails seeing that the home is well heated and that there is enough food, water and medication in the home to last for several days,” adds Mildred Morrison, Area Agency on Aging Administrator. “It is also important that the elderly person have a list of emergency telephone numbers that includes neighbors and family members who can help, if needed.”

When the weather circumstances dictate, the Area Agency on Aging and its contracted providers will be in contact with frail, isolated and high-risk consumers who are registered for care management with the agency. Care managers will respond to emergency needs to as they arise to make sure that the elders are safe and stable.

“Not all of the older adults in Allegheny County are registered with the Area Agency on Aging,” cautions Mildred Morrison, Administrator of the Area Agency on Aging. “For that reason we are calling on the community to step up to assure that all of the elderly in our county are kept safe during this particularly difficult weather. We are suggesting to anyone who may know of an older person living alone, particularly someone who is frail, to please take the time to visit him or her”

“If the house feels cold, make sure the furnace is working. Become alert to dangerous methods of heating a room, such as open flames or ovens being used as a heat source. Also, make sure there is food and water in the house. And please, do not stop after one visit. Go back later or the next day to make sure everything is alright.”

County residents are also encouraged to be particularly mindful of the elderly during a power outage. The lack of electrical power could not only present the danger associated with lack of heat, but also the risks associated with non-function of vital medical equipment, such as oxygen systems, stair glides and medication timers.

Information about programs and services for older adults is available by calling SeniorLine (TDD/TTY 412-350-2727) or by visiting www.alleghenycounty.us/dhs/olderadults.aspx.

Follow DHS:
twitter.com/acdhs
facebook.com/acdhs

Information Provided by Kathleen Burk and Eliane Plunkett of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services