FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE           

APPLICATIONS FOR SENIOR SERVICES FAN CARE PROGRAM UNDERWAY

(Hampton Roads, Va., June 15, 2009) - Rising temperatures have people seeking cool relief throughout the region. Now through Sept. 30, eligible seniors can apply for a free fan through Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia’s annual Fan Care program.

Applicants must live in South Hampton Roads, be 60 years or older and provide a signed self-declaration of a health/medical need for assistance. Gross income of all members of the applicant’s household is used to determine eligibility: no more than $1,354.50 monthly for one person; $1,822.50 for two people; $2,289.00 for three people; $2,757.00 for four people. Verification of the household income is required.

Fan Care is offered in a partnership with the Virginia Department for the Aging and Dominion. Call Senior Services at (757) 461-9481 and ask to speak with an intake specialist.

A private, not-for-profit organization, Senior Services provides services for citizens in Chesapeake, Franklin, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Isle of Wight and Southampton counties. Its headquarters and satellite offices offer everything from home-delivered meals for qualifying seniors to counseling for Medicare, Medicaid and long-term care insurance.

TIPS ON KEEPING COOL

Health experts note that fans only move the air and add comfort; they do not cool it. Only air conditioning offers relief for heat stress, especially for those with a medical condition such as heart disease. In anticipation of rising summer temperatures, Senior Services offers these tips on keeping cool:

• Use air conditioning or go to an air-conditioned location near you (libraries, shopping malls, movie theaters)
• Slow down
• Bathe and shower
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
• Drink fluids often
• Avoid hot foods, heavy meals and alcohol; watch salt use
• Exercise caution

A private, not-for-profit organization, Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia provides services for citizens in Chesapeake, Franklin, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Isle of Wight and Southampton counties.