As summer temperatures rise, elderly homes across New Providence are asking for donations to help keep senior citizens hydrated.
Owner of Good Samaritan Senior Citizens Home Dr. Sinymae Capron told The Nassau Guardian that since the season began, caregivers at the home have been doing their best to keep the elderly residents comfortable.
“We are coping with it and trying to keep them as cool as possible and just keeping them hydrated,” Capron said.
“The only thing they always asking for in this weather is water. That’s the only thing they keep seeing. Every little minute, if you give them water right now, they want some water, so you got to keep giving them water.
“You have to keep supplying them with food and water so as long as the AC is on and they’re cool, they’re good.
“They won’t complain as long as they good.”
Capron said the home, which holds 24 elderly people up to age 91 with a range of mental and physical challenges, has luckily not been impacted by recent power outages affecting New Providence.
However, as one section of the home is without air conditioning, Capron appealed to residents for donations of fans and money toward an AC unit.
“Fortunately, we have not been impacted,” Capron said.
“…We have AC in two sections now, but the section to the far back, we really need it to the far back, although that’s the coolest room.
“Folks out there, I would appreciate if we could get help, maybe donate some air conditioning and stuff like that. Maybe fans too. But we are coping with it.”
At Persis Rodgers Home for the Aged, Administrator Laverne Stuart said the home is also currently looking for water donations and shared that many of the residents often spend prolonged time in the sun, as they enjoy sitting outside.
She said the home has not been impacted by power outages, to which she is grateful, sharing that the buildings are equipped only with fans.
“We supply them with water, but of course we can always use water because they drink it every day, so we are open to donations,” Stuart said.
“And we prefer the smaller ones because it can encourage them to drink it more often.”
The Nassau Guardian also visited Unity House, a senior home that recently appealed to residents for donations, citing a shortage in water amid extreme heat, however no one was available to provide a comment.
