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Shade Brigade Aims to Help Thousands of Seniors Weather the Heat

SEATTLE, July 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- With this summer bringing record heat to parts of the nation, an effort is underway to help those who are among the most susceptible to its dangers. Emeritus Senior Living is deploying its Shade Brigade with the goal of helping more than 5,000 seniors in weathering the high temperatures in coming weeks. The Shade Brigade, comprised of staff from Emeritus communities, will fan out to seniors' homes to bring coolers filled with water, popsicles, fruit and juice. The team will also check on the seniors' wellbeing, provide heat-related safety tips, and invite the seniors to their local Emeritus community for a free meal and time to cool off in the air conditioning.

"The Shade Brigade reflects Emeritus' Safely Somewhere philosophy, in which we do our best to ensure that seniors are living in safe, purposeful environments whether they reside with us or elsewhere," said Emeritus Senior Living Executive Vice President Budgie Amparo, R.N., M.S.N., who oversees the organization's health and wellness services. "With this summer's heat posing such a hazard for seniors, we want to do what we can to help as the temperatures rise."

People 65 and over are more prone to heat stress for several reasons, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They are less able to adjust to sudden temperature changes, more likely to have a chronic medical condition that affects how the body responds to heat, and likelier to be taking medications that affect the body's ability to regulate temperature or perspire.

To suggest a senior for a visit by the Shade Brigade, contact the nearest Emeritus community (www.emeritus.com) or e-mail: shade@emeritus.com.

About Emeritus Senior Living

Emeritus Senior Living is the nation's largest assisted living and memory care provider, with the ability to serve nearly 50,000 residents. More than 30,000 employees support nearly 480 communities throughout 45 states. Emeritus offers the spectrum of senior residential choices, care options and life enrichment programs that fulfill individual needs and promote purposeful living throughout the aging process. Its experts provide insights on senior living, care, wellness, brain health, caregiving and family topics at www.Emeritus.com, which also offers details on the organization's services. Emeritus' common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ESC.

CONTACT: Scott McCaskey / Audrey Knoth, (757) 625-2518

SOURCE Emeritus Senior Living