Protecting Seniors from Heat Stroke
By Ewa Frydel, Owner
Cold weather is one story. Summer heat is another. As temperature rises, it is crucial to pay special attention to the health and well-being of our senior loved ones.
During the hotter months, many of us, especially the elderly, are at risk for heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or other heat-related illnesses. Heat stroke is a severe condition that requires immediate attention. It results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures, not just the sun alone, but when the temperature feels intense.
This blog will specifically explore the dangers of heat stroke and how we, as caregivers, can help prevent its occurrence in order to ensure a safe summer for the seniors in our lives.
Understanding Heat Stroke and its Risks for Seniors:
1. It's Life-threatening. There's a reason this is listed as the first highlight. Heat stroke can lead to a devastating fate. To be categorized as heat stroke, body temperatures are at 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Symptoms can include:
confusion
dizziness
rapid heartbeat
even unconsciousness
What about seniors? As we age, we become less able to regulate body temperature. Chronic health conditions and the use of certain medications can also increase their risk.
2. Hydration. Never something to mess around with, we all must stay hydrated. For our seniors, they especially must drink plenty of water throughout the day. Remember, thirst is a sign that we waited too long to take a sip of water. We must stay hydrated even when we're not thirsty. Luckily, many fruits, juices, and herbal teas contain water and can help hydrate us. Watermelon and cantaloupe are great summer fruits! It's best that your senior stay away from alcohol and caffeine to prevent dehydration.
3. Clothing. Many seniors like to wear the same clothes each week and don't change as often as when we're younger. It's important that your senior have hot weather clothing available and to change their wardrobe out as the weather goes from cool to hot.
It's recommended that seniors wear loose-fitting clothing that is lightweight and light-colored to allow for air circulation and sweat evaporation. Dry-fit clothing works great this time of year! Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses are not only chic, but offer additional protection for your aging parent.
4. Shade and Indoors. It's been said to avoid the sun between 10am-2pm each day during the hot weather months. Follow step three if you must be in the sun during this time, and add a clean sunscreen. However, do your best to find shade whenever your senior is outdoors and keep physical activity to a minimum.
We do require Vitamin D, so 20 minutes outside is healthy when our arms and legs get exposed. Any more than that and you and your senior may be at risk. Use caution! If your senior is at an outdoor event, like a pool party for the grandchildren or BBQ with friends, keep an ice chest full of water accessible and have plenty of it. Try to attend events during hours that the sun is least intense.
5. Regular Check-ins. If your senior parent lives alone, be sure to check up on them often or visit when the sun is at its peak. Some seniors like to enjoy a little air and decide to sit outside to be with Nature. That's a great way to maintain a postive outlook on life, but it can also put them at risk for heat stroke if they suddenly take a nap or in some cases, fall and are unable to get up on their own.
6. Educate. Talk to your loved ones about the risks of heat stroke and how they can help prevent this condition from ever happening. Inform them about their specific risks due to aging, medications, or chronic health conditions that they may have.
Heat stroke is to be taken seriously. However, it is also very easy to prevent. It does take extra effort on our end during the hotter season, but prioritizing hydration, adequate clothing, shade, and regular check-ins, we can help keep our senior safe.
Have a beautiful summer!
For more information on preventing heat stroke, contact us. If you feel your senior loved one may have heat stroke or even heat exhaustion, dial 911. Heat-related illnesses are considered emergencies.
We're here for you!
Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about the prevention of heat stroke and are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice.
