The Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS) runs the Senior Cool Care program, providing free air conditioners and fans to low-income seniors in Rockingham, Augusta, and Rockbridge Counties. VPAS aims to improve the lives of elderly individuals by offering educational resources and tangible support. The program not only enhances comfort but also benefits seniors with breathing difficulties. VPAS recognizes the importance of creating conducive living environments for senior citizens, especially during hot weather when heat can negatively affect their health.
The Senior Cool Care program, offered by the Valley Program for Aging Services (VPAS), aims to improve the lives of low-income senior citizens in Rockingham, Augusta, and Rockbridge Counties by providing them with free fans and air conditioning units.
VPAS is dedicated to supporting the elderly and their families, offering a range of services to enhance their well-being. In addition to educational resources, they provide tangible assistance through programs like Senior Cool Care, ensuring the health and comfort of senior citizens.
According to Janice Gentry, the director of senior services at VPAS, these air conditioners and fans not only contribute to the comfort of the elderly but also offer relief for individuals with respiratory difficulties. Gentry emphasized that struggling to breathe in hot and uncomfortable conditions can have a detrimental effect on overall health, leading to discouragement. VPAS aims to create living environments that promote the health and welfare of senior citizens.
Gentry further explained that as temperatures rise, having access to air-conditioned spaces becomes essential for comfort. However, older individuals often face health conditions, particularly those affecting their breathing, which can exacerbate the negative impact of heat.