Summer Safety for Older Adults: Texas Cooling and Energy Assistance Resources
- Alicia Kimmel
- 4 days ago
- 7 min read
Adults age 65 and older accounted for approximately 40% of heat-related deaths in a CDC analysis and experienced the highest heat-related death rate of any age group. Extreme heat can be dangerous for anyone, but older adults are particularly vulnerable because the body may not adjust to sudden temperature changes as efficiently with age. Certain chronic health conditions and medications can also affect the body's ability to regulate temperature.
During a Texas summer, staying cool isn't simply about comfort. For some older adults and families, access to reliable air conditioning can become a serious safety concern.
Practicing summer safety for older adults can help reduce the risk of heat-related illness and connect families with resources to stay safely cool during extreme Texas heat.
Fortunately, there are resources that may help.
As part of our Community Resource Spotlight, Oasis Hospice wants families and caregivers to know about programs that may provide energy assistance, cooling equipment, or a safe air-conditioned place to escape extreme heat.
Summer Safety for Older Adults: Simple Ways to Reduce Heat-Related Illness
The CDC recommends that older adults stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible during hot weather and stay hydrated. When reliable air conditioning isn't available at home, a local cooling location or public air-conditioned building can provide temporary relief.
A few precautions can make a significant difference:
Drink water regularly. Don't wait until you feel thirsty to begin drinking fluids. Anyone who has been instructed to limit fluids should follow their healthcare provider's recommendations.
Spend time in air conditioning. During extreme heat, air conditioning provides important protection. If the home isn't adequately cooled, consider visiting an air-conditioned public location.
Plan outdoor activities carefully. Whenever possible, schedule errands and outdoor activities during cooler portions of the day.
Wear appropriate clothing. Lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing can help the body stay cooler.
Use cool water to lower body temperature. Cool showers, baths and damp cloths can provide additional relief.
Check on older family members and neighbors. This is especially important for people who live alone or have limited mobility.
Summer Safety for Older Adults Includes Knowing Where to Find Cooling Assistance
Sometimes following heat-safety recommendations isn't as simple as turning down the thermostat.
An older adult may have a broken air conditioner, be unable to afford a repair, or worry about the cost of running the A/C during prolonged periods of extreme heat.
Several programs may be able to help.
Texas Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
The Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps eligible low-income Texas households with energy-related needs.
According to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, CEAP services are delivered through local organizations serving communities throughout all 254 Texas counties.
Depending on household eligibility and circumstances, assistance may include utility payments and help during an energy crisis. Current Texas CEAP guidance also allows qualifying funds to be used to purchase and install portable heating or cooling units when applicable program requirements are met.
This can be particularly important for an older adult living in a home without adequate cooling.
CEAP is available statewide, which means families in Houston, Conroe, The Woodlands, Austin and other Texas communities can locate the organization serving their county and inquire about available assistance.
Eligibility, funding and the type of assistance available can vary, so families should contact their local provider directly.
Reliant Beat the Heat
Reliant's Beat the Heat program provides additional summer cooling resources in participating Texas communities.
For summer 2026, Reliant reports supporting 52 Beat the Heat cooling centers and funding nearly 2,000 portable air-conditioning units and fans for eligible residents.
Participating locations include communities in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Corpus Christi, Lubbock and McAllen, along with additional partner programs in North Texas.
It is important to note that Beat the Heat is not available in every Texas community.
Families should check the current list of participating locations and eligibility requirements before traveling to a center or requesting equipment.
2-1-1 Texas
Not sure which program serves your community?
2-1-1 Texas is an excellent place to start.
The statewide information and referral service can help Texans search for programs related to:
Electric bill assistance
Air conditioners
Fans
Utility assistance
Housing
Transportation
Food
Healthcare
Other community services
Resources can be searched by ZIP code, which makes 2-1-1 especially useful when trying to locate assistance close to home.
Dial 2-1-1 or 877-541-7905, or search online.
Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness
Heat-related illness can become serious quickly.
Symptoms such as heavy sweating, headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea or muscle cramps can indicate that someone is becoming ill from the heat.
More serious symptoms—particularly confusion, fainting, loss of consciousness or other signs of heat stroke—require immediate medical attention.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911.
Community Resources Can Help Families Stay Safe
No older adult should assume that there is nowhere to turn simply because repairing an air conditioner or paying a summer electric bill is financially difficult.
Programs change, funding may be limited, and eligibility requirements vary, but help may be available.
For families in Conroe, The Woodlands and the greater Houston area, CEAP, 2-1-1 Texas and participating Reliant Beat the Heat programs may provide a starting point for finding assistance.
For families in Austin and other Texas communities where Beat the Heat is not offered, CEAP and 2-1-1 Texas remain statewide resources that can help identify programs serving their local area.
Oasis Hospice encourages families, caregivers and community members to share these resources with anyone who may be struggling to stay safely cool this summer. Sometimes a simple conversation can connect someone with assistance they didn't know was available.
Stay cool. Stay hydrated. And check on each other.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Safety for Older Adults
Why are older adults more vulnerable to extreme heat?
Adults age 65 and older may not adjust to sudden temperature changes as well as younger people. They are also more likely to have chronic health conditions or take medications that can affect the body's ability to regulate temperature or sweat.
Can CEAP help pay for an air conditioner in Texas?
Potentially. Current Texas CEAP guidance allows funds to be used to purchase and install portable heating or cooling units when applicable eligibility and program requirements are met. Assistance is administered locally, so households should contact the CEAP provider serving their county to determine eligibility and available services.
Is CEAP available throughout Texas?
Yes. CEAP services are provided through local organizations serving all 254 Texas counties. The organization administering the program varies by location.
Is Reliant Beat the Heat available throughout Texas?
No. Reliant operates Beat the Heat through participating communities and partner organizations. In 2026, cooling centers are available in several Texas cities and regions, but the program is not available in every community.
Is Reliant Beat the Heat available in Austin?
Austin is not currently listed among Reliant's 2026 Beat the Heat locations. Austin-area residents can still use statewide resources such as CEAP and 2-1-1 Texas to search for cooling and energy assistance available in their area.
Can 2-1-1 Texas help me find a free air conditioner or fan?
2-1-1 Texas includes air conditioners and fans among the utility-related resources searchable through its database. Availability depends on programs currently serving the person's location, funding and individual eligibility.
What should I do if an older adult's home does not have working air conditioning?
During extreme heat, help the person reach an air-conditioned location when possible and contact local resources to determine whether cooling or energy assistance is available. The CDC specifically recommends that older adults stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible during hot weather.
When should I call 911 for heat-related illness?
Call 911 when someone shows signs of heat stroke, including serious symptoms such as confusion or loss of consciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
Resource Disclaimer: Programs, funding, eligibility requirements, cooling-center locations and available assistance can change. Contact the organization directly or use 2-1-1 Texas to confirm current availability.
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