Experts advise checking on seniors during heat wave

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Experts say as the heat wave continues, it's vitally important to check on the elderly and sick.

Action News joined Mercy Home Health Nurse Regina Pennypacker as she checked in in on her patients.

Her main message Tuesday was about staying safe in the heat.

Yactsie Jones is 84, and she knows staying cool is vital. So does her husband, Nate.

"I get up in the morning and come down and open everything up before bringing her down," he said.

Nat has fans on and windows open. Ms. Jones drinks her water and keeps activity to a minimum.

"I sit still," she said. "Sitting still is the best thing for me."

Pennypacker says while Ms. Jones has help, many seniors are alone. She advises people to not just call, stop over to check in on them.

Dehydration, heat exhaustion and even heat stroke can happen fast, especially with this ongoing excessive heat.

Even younger, healthy people need to take precautions.

Mercy Home Health also has a home base set up with supplies to keep their employees safe.