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State Office for Aging offers cold weather tips, emergency resources for older adults, caregivers & neighbors

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Thu, Jan 13th 2022 04:35 pm

With recent sub-zero temperatures – and many more weeks of cold weather still to come – New York State Office for the Aging Director (NYSOFA) Greg Olsen reminds older adults, their caregivers and neighbors to take extra safety precautions and check in on one another.

He also highlighted emergency assistance and other resources that are available to help ensure the safety of older adults – and all New Yorkers – during the winter months.

"Winter has always been an important time to check in on family, loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are safe," he said. "This kind of outreach is even more important now, during the pandemic, as older adults, persons with disabilities, and the chronically ill face even more extreme levels of social isolation that can make them especially vulnerable to winter safety risks at home."

Emergency Heating Assistance through HEAP

Individuals facing a home-heating emergency may be eligible for assistance through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which helps low-income people pay the cost of heating their homes. The emergency benefit opened on Jan. 3, and is available for low-income older adults and other New Yorkers whose home heating is either shut off or scheduled to be shut off, as well as for individuals who are running out of home heating fuel or other deliverable heat sources.

Regular HEAP Benefits

Lower-income New Yorkers may also be eligible for regular (non-emergency) HEAP benefits to help pay for heating your home.

Eligibility and benefits are based on income, household size, the primary heating source, and the presence of a household member who is under age 6, age 60 or older, or permanently disabled. Benefits opened on Oct. 1, 2021.

Reporting a Dangerous Living Condition

NYSOFA said neglect (including self-neglect) is the most prevalent form of elder abuse. It can include being deprived of enough food, water or heat.

“For individuals with a chronic illness or living in an unsafe environment, the consequences can be catastrophic during cold weather,” Olsen said.

Those concerned about an older adult's living situation during the winter months, and unable to assist, can call Adult Protective Services at 1-844-697-3505, or contact the local social services department’s Adult Protective Service bureau using the directory here.

New Yorkers concerned about the safety of an older adult at home can also contact their county Office for the Aging using the online directory, or contact the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871.

Space Heaters and Supplemental Heat Safety

"Unattended, improperly vented or malfunctioning space heaters pose a major fire risk," Olsen added. Below are some tips NYSOFA offered to ensure these supplemental heat sources are used safely. 

√ If you use a fireplace, wood stove, or portable kerosene heater to stay warm, be sure there is adequate ventilation to the outside. Without enough fresh air, carbon monoxide fumes can build up in your home.

√ Never use a natural gas or propane stove/oven to heat your home.

√ Follow all safety precautions when using wood stoves, space heaters, electric heaters, kerosene heaters, and pellet stoves.

√ Now is a good time to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms – and to do so at least monthly. Be sure to also replace batteries at least once a year, and replace alarms that are 10 years or older.

For additional safety information, see the “Supplemental Space Heaters Guide” developed by the New York State Department of Health.

“County Offices for the Aging are available to assist with home safety assessments to reduce risks and help identify potential hazards,” Olsen added. To reach a county office, use the online directory or call the NY Connects helpline at 1-800-342-9871.

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