Office for the Aging preps seniors for winter storm
Whether they're excited or not, Kelly Chiarella, from the Office for the Aging in Yonkers, wants these seniors to stay safe in the storm.
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With the storm on its way, local officials are paying extra attention to the area's senior citizens.
"You don't go out in that kinda stuff," senior Valerie Alston says.
"It's about time it got winter," senior John Wiegers says.
"I'm too old for that," senior Lilia says.
Whether they're excited or not, Kelly Chiarella, from the Office for the Aging in Yonkers, wants these seniors to stay safe in the storm.
"We try to just ask them to stay home, and stay safe, and just be prepared with their food and medications and a plan," Chiarella says.
Talking about food, Chiarella says her office serves about 400 meals a day
Chiarella says they expect to make a decision about Monday's meal run by Friday morning.
"Letters are ready to go. Our clients are already being talked to by our case managers," Chiarella says.
Chiarella says some of the biggest risks for seniors in a snowstorm like this are tripping and falling.
Dr. Cathryn Devons, the Chief of Geriatrics at Phelps Hospital, says they should leave shoveling to the younger ones.
"It's very cold out, it puts a big strain on the heart to do strenuous exercise in the cold," Devons says.
Chiarella says shoveling services are available in Yonkers for a fee.
In the meantime, Wiegers says this winter weather is just part of life.
"I know it's so corny, it's funny, but what can you do," Wiegers says.
