Caregiver Calls for Support to Protect Elderly Residents

Advertisement

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Good Samaritan Home for the Aged has been caring for seniors for decades, but this summer’s extreme heat, combined with frequent power outages are creating new challenges.

Caregiver at the home, Amanda Thompson says they’re making daily adjustments to help residents stay safe and comfortable.

Amanda Thompson – Caregiver, The Good Samaritan Home for the Aged

“Well in the warmer months we try to keep them as cool as possible like instead of putting on shirts and stuff, we keep them in their undershirts, and boxers to stay as cool as possible and to eliminate the bed pads because that tends to keep them hot as well.”

She also says extreme heat can also affect their overall well-being, especially those living with dementia.

Amanda Thompson – Caregiver, The Good Samaritan Home for the Aged

“They tend to like stumble with their words, and like just be out of it, so you could tell sometimes they try to communicate with you but they’ll be a lil off and on and we’ll have to try and figure out…what it is they really want…”

With power outages becoming more common, she says a reliable backup power source would make a significant difference.

Amanda Thompson – Caregiver, The Good Samaritan Home for the Aged

“It would be nice if we could get a little assistance so we could get like a generator, so we could keep the current flowing for the residents so that they’ll stay much cooler and we could avoid these heat strokes.”

As the summer heat continues, the caregiver says every act of support, whether large or small, can help protect the seniors who depend on them every day.

Amanda Thompson – Caregiver, The Good Samaritan Home for the Aged

“To me the vulnerable ones are the ones that are bed ridden because they have to stay in bed. The ones that are capable to walk we could always bring them outside and they could catch a little of God’s given breeze.”

“To cooperate we’ll appreciate some chairs for the residents to sit on the porch, maybe solar panels because like with all these shortages I’m sure they’ll come in handy so if you’re listening please reach out.”