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As the heat index rises, local agencies are worried about the elderly

July 20, 2011|By John Paul (jpaul@wsbt.com), Click here to follow John on Twitter | By John Paul (jpaul@wsbt.com), Click here to follow John on Twitter

SOUTH BEND — As temperatures soar, local agencies are worried about the elderly. "Meals on Wheels" volunteers checked on seniors and shut-ins during the lunch hour.

George Hawthorne is the director of Real Service's Nutrition and Transportation Department. He and his volunteers are out, ready to serve the city of South Bend. The first stop Wednesday was an apartment building on West Western Avenue.

As the heat and humidity continued to climb during the lunch hour, George said it was hard to remember days like this.

"I've been through hot weather myself as a kid, but nothing like this," said Hawthorne.

The volunteers aren't just feeding a need. During this summer scorcher, they are checking their list to make sure everyone, especially seniors, children and shut-ins are cool and safe.

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As long as the conditions outside are dangerous, caseworkers aren't taking any chances.

"If somebody doesn't answer the door, and they usually do, I call in," said Roger Blaine, a volunteer.

"They're able to watch and see if there's anything going on with the clients. If they notice something they'll go and pass it on back to us," said Hawthorne.

Leaders from Real Services and volunteers from Meals on Wheels say they have not found anyone who needed to seek emergency treatment because of the heat and humidity.

That is not stopping them from spreading the word — there are places they can turn to and there are people who are ready to help.

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