Program Helps Woman, 91, Get First A/C Unit

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Program Helps Woman, 91, Get First A/C Unit
Bishop Sullivan Center Helps Older Residents Stay Cool Over Summer

Posted: 1:40 pm CDT June 29, 2011
Updated: 5:28 pm CDT June 29, 2011

Kansas City, Mo. -- For Dorothy Jacobs, 91, weathering summer's extreme heat used to mean sleeping outside on the porch of her Kansas City home. But that changed a few weeks ago. The Bishop Sullivan Center had an air conditioner installed in her bedroom. The air conditioner is part of the center's ElderCool program.

Jacobs told KMBC's Maria Antonia that it is the first time in her life that she has had an air conditioner. She said on hot nights, she usually slept by an open window, on the porch or anywhere that air was blowing. "Whoever invented air conditioning did a world of good for a whole lot of people," she said.

Project Eldercool Coordinator Kim Clough said people have been busy. "So far, we've put in 85 units, just this year alone," she said. Bishop Sullivan Center officials said any low-income older person may qualify for a free window air-conditioner unit. Qualifications are:

•Anyone who is 65 and older with no air conditioner in the home
•Meets income guidelines

"It's a simple solution to a serious problem we have," Clough said. Requests for air conditioners can be made by calling Clough at Bishop Sullivan Center at 816-231-0984. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Copyright 2011 by KMBC.com. All rights reserved.

[ponytail]

Honestly I don't know how people can live without A/C. Good for her and the others who received their A/C's. Project Eldercool is a great program!

[catlover79]

[old grouch]

This is great. I hope Dorothy has a cool summer!!!

[Schmoopie]

Originally Posted by ponytail

Honestly I don't know how people can live without A/C. Good for her and the others who received their A/C's. Project Eldercool is a great program!

We don't have A/C... haven't had it since we moved to Seattle in 1996, but it rarely gets hot enough to have it so it's not a big deal. We thought about having it installed because when it does get hot (about 2 weeks out of the year), it can be unbearable, but so far we haven't had any reason to get it.

I love hearing about these programs who help people in need. Especially since I work for a company that provides transportation to people who can't drive (disabled or elderly).

[Elvis Fonzie Dean]

Awesome.

She didn't have a fan?

[Brad Russ]

Originally Posted by ponytail

Honestly I don't know how people can live without A/C. Good for her and the others who received their A/C's. Project Eldercool is a great program!

I feel the same way. Seven or eight years ago, we had an air conditioner put into our home. I have no idea how we were able to live without an AC for so many years. I use to put my clothes under cold water, and then go to sleep with wet clothes. Unfortunately, that only worked for about ten minutes before your clothes would be all dry again. Anyway, this is a great story, because there is a high death rate among elderly people due to the overexposure to heat. I think everyone 65 or older should get an air conditioner. It shouldn't just be for low income people, but all elderly people. Thanks for sharing Jen!