The extreme heat sweeping across Oklahoma this summer is showing no signs of relief any time soon.
With high temperature forecasted to persist, the risks of heat stroke and heat exhaustion are on the rise, especially among seniors citizens. As you age, your body naturally becomes less efficient at tolerating heat and humidity, and that’s why the elderly are in general more vulnerable to extreme weather conditions.
Understanding the risks and taking preventive measures are crucial to protecting the well-being of the elderly population. Luckily, there is plenty of help for seniors in Oklahoma available. And if you are looking for tips for yourself, an elderly friend, your parents or grandparents, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we will share the most relevant resources for seniors that you can get in Oklahoma, from senior care, legal assistance to FREE phone services!
Getting to Know Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Heat exhaustion happens when our body overheats, and prolonged exposure to high temperatures is one of the causes. Common symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache and nausea.
Heat stroke, on the other hand, is more severe and usually requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include dizziness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. It may lead to serious consequences, including organ damage and even death if not treated promptly. If you think you are suffering from heat stroke, call 911 immediately and move the body to a cooler area and use water or ice to lower the body temperature.
Preventive Measures Against Heat-Related Risks
As extreme weather events are expected to get more frequent, it’s become increasingly important to take precautionary measures against these conditions when you are caring for seniors.
There are simple measures that can be taken to help mitigate heat-related risks. These include staying hydrated and planning outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day. Shopping malls, libraries and community centers with air conditioning are ideal places for older persons during the summer. It’s also important to stay connected, regularly check in with family members or friends and seek assistance if needed.
Area Agencies on Aging in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, there are a wide range of services and supports for seniors to make their lives easier and happier. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) and Aging Services Division (ASD) work with 11 area agencies on aging to deliver Older Americans Act services around the state. These include:
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman program
- Congregate and home-delivered meals
- In-home assistance
- Legal aid services
- Health promotion
- Caregiver assistance
- Nutrition education
- Respite services
Area agencies on aging also partner with other organizations to promote and provide other senior services. To locate an area agency on aging in your area simply call the Senior Info-Line at 1-800-211-2116 or the OKDHS Aging Services Division at (405) 521-2281.
ASD Senior Services in Oklahoma
The ASD administers many senior services and programs for senior citizens, with its goal being to promote and safeguard their well-beings:
- Adult Day Services – provide subsidized day services for older adults and adults with developmental disabilities.
- Advantage Program – provides Medicaid long-term care services through private agencies at home.
- Legal Services
- Oklahoma Senior Corps Programs – provides volunteer opportunities for persons 55 years and older through Retired Seniors Volunteer Program, Senior Companion Program and the Foster Grandparent Program.
- Personal Care Program – an optional Medicaid service that provides a personal care attendant to help with daily living activities such as bathing, grooming, meals and light chore services.
- Respite services – provide vouchers to caregivers age 60 and over, or grandparents 55 years or older raising grandchildren, to take a temporary break from full-time caregiving .
- Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program – a grant-based program providing low-income seniors with a purchase credit to buy fresh, locally-grown produce at farmers’ markets.
- Senior Nutrition services – delivered through area agencies on aging and local providers, serve meals to older adults and those with disabilities at meal sites and through home deliveries.
- State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program – assists residents in nursing home, assisted-living or residential-care facilities.
- Transportation – provide transportation to medical appointments, shopping and other social services for frail elderly or persons with disability through area agencies on aging, local providers and the Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5310 program.
Other services available in Oklahoma include homemaker, chore and medication management. You may call the Senior Info-line at 1-800-211-2116 or the OKDHS Aging Services Division (405) 521-2281 to find out more about these programs.
Stay Connected with A FREE Smartphone
Staying connected is important for the elderly, especially during emergencies such as adverse weather events. With a smartphone, older adults can also more easily monitor their health conditions, access community resources and important notifications, stay informed about government-funded assistance programs, and interact with families or support groups.And while cost for cell phone and cell phone services can be expensive, we have some good news for you.
If you are living in Oklahoma and qualify for either the Lifeline Assistance Program and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), not only will you be able to enjoy the benefits below, but you can also receive a new FREE Smartphone when you sign up for these two programs through EASY Wireless.
EASY Wireless Unlimited Plan
- FREE Unlimited Data
- FREE Unlimited Talk
- FREE Unlimited Text
- FREE SIM Card Kit and Activation
- Choose to Keep Your Number or Get a New One
Check your eligibility and see if you qualify to get a free smartphone and service today.
Start Saving Today!
Start Saving Today!
How Do I Qualify for Lifeline and ACP?
Lifeline is available to eligible low income aging individuals that either have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or participate in certain government assistance programs, such as:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance and other tribal programs
ACP requires a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or one household member is eligible for certain government benefits such as food stamps, veterans pension, and tribal assistance programs. The full list of criteria can be found here.
Get Your FREE Government Phone Today
At EASY Wireless, we always strive to help you make the best use of government programs like Lifeline and ACP to make sure you get the assistance and support you need and enjoy your retired lives in Oklahoma.
If you prefer to sign up in person, we have 30 retail stores in Oklahoma so you can drop by on your way to shopping or meeting friends. Our customer service agent will be at your service and help you handle the complex National Verifier process to confirm your eligibility.
We just need one of the following government-issued IDs as your identity proof:
- U.S. Driver License
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
- Certificate of Naturalization
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Government, State or Tribal issued-ID
- U.S. Military ID cards
- Permanent Resident Cards
- Permanent Resident Alien Cards
Need More Communication Services?
At EASY Wireless, we provide more than a free government phone or lifeline discounts. A comprehensive range of premium products and services are available in your neighbourhood to meet all your communication needs and help you stay well-informed.
Our friendly team will be there to help you explore all available benefits, cheaper phone and wireless service options. We take pride in our stellar customer service and truly care about our customers.
Visit us and grab your free phone today!
