LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Temperatures are dangerously high in the Las Vegas Valley — especially for the elderly and those with medical conditions.
“When I’m out in the heat, it’s hard to breathe, pure and simple,” said senior Henderson resident Hank Gawlik.
Back in May, FOX5 spoke to several seniors living in Henderson who rely on the bus system for transportation. They were frustrated that their regular bus stop had been moved several blocks away, forcing them to travel an extra distance that was already unbearable for some seniors.
Senior Henderson resident, Les Pierres Streater, had even filed a complaint with the city under the Americans with Disabilities Act, but it was determined that moving the bus stop was not an ADA violation.
He says now the transportation problem is even worse.
“We’re dealing with the issue of weather now on top of everything else,” said Streater.
Another senior FOX5 spoke to Tuesday said she was on her way to the bus stop using her walker last week and had to turn around halfway because of the heat. That was when temperatures were still a bit lower than what we’re seeing now.
With temperatures in Henderson soaring above 110 degrees this week and without many transportation options close by, many seniors say they’re not leaving the house at all this week.
“A lot of people aren’t,” said Gawlik. “I only leave when I have to, get some groceries or I have some banking to do, where I have to go, but I’ve really curtailed my outside activity because it’s dangerous at this point.”
“Some people have to resort to having food delivered,” said Streater.
But that too can be a challenge for some seniors.
“You have to be a little computer savvy and know what you’re doing, and a lot of people aren’t,” said Gawlik.
Some seniors say this has all impacted their ability to provide for themselves and their sense of independence.
“I don’t like having to be dependent on anybody,” said Gawlik. “It’s a question of dignity.”
For a list of food resources available to seniors in Henderson, click here.
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