Don’t Leave Seniors with Disabilities in Parked Hot Cars!

HEAT WARNING FOR CAREGIVERS! Today in Los Angeles area I suspect it's high 80's maybe low 90's. Very hot asthma type weather -no air "movement."

I came out of local grocery to find an elderly woman sitting alone in the car next to me - sitting in passenger side.

She was wearing a heavy buttoned up sweater and had window half way up ( or down). She seemed "out of it" - dementia, Alzheimer's or medication... or maybe a stroke survivor or something else. Who knows?

She wasn't recognizing me or reacting even though we were maybe five feet apart. And she was looking right at me. Her gaze was distant, hollow and blank.

In California as of first of this year we have the right to remove pets from vehicles if in danger - too hot or too cold weather conditions.

Legally - Can we remove seniors and elderly when they are at risk from same?

I waited and watched. Feet away from her even with my windows down, I felt like I was being cooked in this blazing sun!

Within three to five minutes her professional (?) "caregiver" showed up to open the back door and deposit a bag.

I tried saying something to her and realized fast she didn't speak or understand English (or Spanish).

I'm mentioning this because I believe we are our brothers and sisters "keeper." Suggesting that you be aware that heat - or cold - affects seniors and elderly, too.

If you would not leave your pet in hot sun in an almost closed car, please consider it may be "elder abuse" - intended or not - to "temporarily abandon someone who cannot care for him or herself ... even for a few minutes.

It's too easy for a driver to get delayed in a store.

In your area there should be an elder abuse hotline or call 911 if in US or Canada.

Every life here is valuable.

Elders and pets trust us for protection. Help me help them.

Take action and spread this warning.

Tags: Alheimers, cold, dementia, disabilities, elderly, healthcare, heat, safety, seniors