Workers Find Elderly People With Mold On Clothes

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Hurricane Relief Workers Find Elderly People With Mold On Clothes

http://www.wftv.com/news/3687862/detail.html

POSTED: 5:06 pm EDT August 27, 2004

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Relief workers are discovering disturbing

examples of how Hurricane Charley is impacting some elderly people.

The workers say they're finding some senior citizens with mold

growing on their clothes because they refuse to leave their storm-

damaged homes.

The workers report finding some situations in which elderly residents

are living in homes with no water, electricity or air conditioning.

The Department of Elder Affairs secretary says these seniors believe

they are better off staying in their storm-damaged house than going

to an emergency shelter.

Terry White says the state is concerned about their health.

White is issuing a call for help to families all over the world who

have elderly relatives in storm-damaged areas. He's urging families

to check on their loved ones -- and that may require a trip to

Florida.

He says people shouldn't take reassurances from elderly relatives at

face value.

White says these seniors are part of a tough generation and they may

feel as if they can live through unsafe conditions. He says they may

be afraid to ask for help, or too proud to ask.