We gratefully acknowledge THE MOLINA HEALTHCARE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION for funding this initiative and for its ongoing commitment to improving the health and safety of vulnerable communities.
HeatWise: Caregiver Climate Resilience Toolkit
HeatWise aims to improve extreme heat preparedness and response skills among informal caregivers in Los Angeles County, reducing the incidence of HRIs among vulnerable and underserved populations.
By equipping caregivers and leveraging partnerships with the Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center, HeatWise hopes to foster resilience in communities disproportionately impacted by climate change.
INTRODUCTION
Climate change is leading to an increase in heat waves, which disproportionately affect marginalized populations such as older adults, people with chronic conditions, and low-income communities. In Los Angeles County (LAC), where these vulnerable groups constitute a significant and growing portion of the population, targeted interventions are needed to improve health outcomes during and after heat waves.
HeatWise is an innovative program designed to tackle these health inequities by training informal, or family, caregivers to support high-risk populations in responding to extreme heat.
Through webinars, printable tools, and community education, HeatWise helps informal caregivers better respond to heat-related risks with practical steps and calm confidence.
You’ll find clear, supportive tools to help you plan ahead, protect your loved one, and take care of yourself during high heat days.
HEATWISE FREE PRINTABLE TOOLS
My HeatWise Personal Plan:
For Me & My Loved One
A fillable caregiver-and-client check list action plan template for documenting personal cooling strategies, medication storage, vital signs, and emergency procedures.
Caregiver Tip Sheet:
Staying Safe & Cool in Extreme Heat
Practical strategies for caregivers to prioritize their own hydration, rest, and self-care while caring for others in extreme heat.
Emergency Information Card
A quick-reference checklist of key contacts (family, neighbors, caregivers, fire, power company) and the nearest cooling centers to use during heat emergencies.
Heat-Related Illnesses:
What Caregivers Need to Know
A clear guide for recognizing, responding to, and preventing heat exhaustion and heatstroke in vulnerable adults.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Heatwise project was made possible through the generous support and collaboration of many dedicated individuals and organizations.
We gratefully acknowledge THE MOLINA HEALTHCARE CHARITABLE FOUNDATION for funding this initiative and for its ongoing commitment to improving the health and safety of vulnerable communities.
Special thanks to Dr. Donna Benton, Director of the USC Caregiver Resource Center, and Maureen Feldman of Resonation Inc., who led the development of this project—guiding its vision, designing educational content, and coordinating outreach to those most impacted by extreme heat.
We are also grateful to Creative Core for their thoughtful and accessible visual design, which helped bring this project to life.
We extend our thanks to USC Students whose early work helped launch this effort and build momentum for its development.
Finally, we thank the community members and stakeholders whose feedback and lived experience informed the content and design of Heatwise. Their input ensured the project remained practical, compassionate, and rooted in real-world needs.
CA PFL TOOLKIT MENU
