Fans, A.C. and drinking water: P.E.I. seniors try to stay cool during heat wave
Some seniors are struggling with the high temperatures
Some P.E.I. seniors are finding the sweltering conditions this week hard to tolerate, with temperatures soaring to 31 C Thursday — more than 40 C with the humidex.
Not all long-term care homes and provincial seniors' housing have air conditioning.
Jackie Jenkins, who lives in government seniors' housing in Charlottetown, said she's grateful for her air conditioner, a gift from a friend.
She said she worries about her neighbours during this kind of heat.
"There are a lot of women and men in here who don't have air conditioners and it's so hard," said Jenkins.
She said the hallways and waiting area of the building aren't air conditioned either, which can make everyday tasks difficult.
"I wouldn't even make it up to the laundry room," Jenkins said.
In a statement, P.E.I.'s Department of Housing told CBC News that notices have been posted in all its buildings regarding precautionary measures during the hot weather.
Staff are also checking on tenants while doing rent reviews, the statement said.
At Dr. John M. Gillis Memorial Lodge, a long-term care facility in Belfast, staff bought new air conditioners and fans to prepare for the heat wave.
"I don't like heat very much," said resident Louise Myers. "Last night before I got my fan going, I thought I was gonna pass out."
Staff are making sure residents are staying as cool as possible and drinking lots of water, said William McGuigan, the director of operations.
"The big thing here at the lodge is keeping the morale positive during the heat," he added.
They organized a beach theme for residents Thursday, and set up a dunk tank for staff.
But not all residents mind the heat, said McGuigan.
"We have some people this week sunbathing out on the deck and they're having a great time," he said.
"And other people … they've got their door shut and the air conditioning going and the windows down."
Ten years ago, climate change was not considered in health-care discussions, said MacGuigan — and the lodge had one heat pump.
"Now we have 10," he said.
"It is something that we are thinking about moving forward, because climate change isn't going to go away."
In a statement, Health P.E.I. said that during hot weather it monitors all of its long-term care homes for temperature control issues, and that residents are also closely monitored.
The heat is expected to abate on the Island Friday, with highs in the 19 to 23 C range and no significant humidex.
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With files from Laura Meader