Q. My 80-year-old mom lives by herself in an older home that doesn’t have central air conditioning. She does have window units in her bedroom and family room, but she rarely uses them because she is worried about the cost of her electric bill. This summer has been so hot, I have been worried about her. What should I do?
A. You’re right to be concerned. We’ve had some very hot days this summer, and older adults can be more vulnerable to heat-related illness. This is especially true for those with health conditions or who take certain medications. Watch the forecast to anticipate extreme heat events and try to gently encourage your mom to use her air conditioners on those days. Even running them for a few hours during the hottest hours of the day can make a difference. If you can, check in with your mom at least twice a day during heat waves. Remind her to drink plenty of fluids and to take it easy. These days, a lot of older adults share your mom’s concern about the cost of electricity. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence (AGE) recommends a few different programs that may help your mom with energy costs if she qualifies.
Discounted Energy Rate: Visit the following websites to see if you qualify for a discount on your energy bills.
National Grid: www.nationalgridus.com/MA-Home/Bill-Help/Payment-Assistance-Programs
Eversource: www.eversource.com/content/residential/account-billing/payment-assistance/discount-rate
Temporary Bill Assistance: The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is available to any Massachusetts resident who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month’s energy expense and is not eligible for state or federal energy assistance. For more information, call 1-800-334-3047 or visit www.magoodneighbor.org
Rebates for Air Conditioners: If your mom’s units are old or inefficient, she may qualify for a rebate on an ENERGY STAR air conditioner. Visit MassSave.com to learn more.
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Insulating and sealing homes can reduce energy bills. The Massachusetts Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provides eligible households with full-scale home energy efficiency services including insulting and sealing homes. Learn more at www.mass.gov/info-details/weatherization-assistance-program-wap
Making sure your mom stays cool and safe during extreme heat is one of the best ways you can support her well-being this summer. With a little planning and encouragement, she can stay comfortable and protected – without worrying so much about the bill.
Are you caring for an older adult or need help finding healthy aging resources? Our experienced staff is available to help. Visit us online at www.agespan.org. You can also call 800-892-0890 or email info@agespan.org.
Joan Hatem-Roy is the chief executive officer of AgeSpan, which serves the following cities and towns: Amesbury, Andover, Billerica, Boxford, Chelmsford, Danvers, Dracut, Dunstable, Georgetown, Groveland, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rowley, Salisbury, Salem, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, Westford, and West Newbury.
First published in the Eagle-Tribune.
