“Mrs. K. came to see me in the Geriatrics Ambulatory Practice at Montefiore on the third day of a major heat wave. She was scheduled for a routine follow-up visit for her multiple medical problems. Mrs. K is 95 years old and has mild dementia, diabetes, congestive heart failure and mild kidney disease. She takes eight different medications, including a “water pill” or diuretic for her heart disease. Mrs. K was born in South Carolina and moved to New York when she was 20 years old. She has very strong opinions about many things, including what foods she should eat during the summer months and the dangers of air conditioners. She came to my office wearing long underwear underneath a long-sleeved shirt and a jacket. She informed me that the air conditioners were too cold in the office, so she had to come prepared. Luckily, she has a devoted aid who is with her six hours a day. I inquired about her apartment and whether she has an air conditioner for the heat wave. She informed me that she has an air conditioner but absolutely will not use it because it irritates her sinus condition. She told me she uses a fan and that her apartment does not get too warm, despite the 100-degree weather outside. Meanwhile, her aid was vigorously shaking her head, stating the apartment was unbearably hot. Fortunately, I was able to counsel both Mrs. K and her aid about the risks of heat illness, and together we agreed upon a plan that will keep Mrs. K safe. This is not the case for many older adults during heat waves. Every year, vulnerable older adults are hospitalized and even die due to heat-related illnesses.”
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