Keeping Elderly Relatives Cool During Summer Heat Waves
Many elderly Americans are susceptible to high temperatures, especially during the heat waves that affect many parts of the country each year. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can trigger severe health issues in elderly adults, leading to further complications and even death. If you are a family caregiver for your aging relative and the upcoming weather forecast is calling for extreme temperatures, take precautions and prepare to keep your loved one cool and comfortable.
Elder Care in Des Plaines IL: Keeping Seniors Cool During a Heat Wave
Seniors Don’t Do Well in Heat.
Heat illnesses are especially common in elderly adults. They are more prone to heat exhaustion and heat stroke because their bodies are not as efficient at regulating temperature. Seniors don’t sweat as much, making it hard for the body to cool down. They also get dehydrated more quickly and are less likely to feel thirst.
When an elderly person’s body cannot cool itself off, their internal temperature rises. This can cause damage to kidneys, the brain, and the heart. It can quickly cause brain and nervous system dysfunction. The body diverts blood from the internal organs toward the skin to cool itself down. Extreme heat can also increase the risk of breathing problems and strokes. It’s very important for family caregivers to plan for heat waves and implement strategies to avoid heat illness in their aging relatives.
Protect Elderly Relatives From Heat Illnesses.
The first thing for family caregivers to do is ensure their aging relatives have a cool room to stay in. If there is air conditioning, they can turn it on to create a comfortable space. Otherwise, sitting near a fan in a cooler room can also work. They should close all blinds and curtains to rooms where the sun is streaming in to cut down on heat.
To keep an elderly person’s internal temperatures properly regulated, family caregivers and elder care providers can offer plenty of drinks. However, they should stay away from soda and iced coffee, because the caffeine is a diuretic. Alcohol can also dehydrate someone more quickly than normal. Besides water, frozen treats can keep them cool and boost their fluid intake.
Appropriate clothing can have a big impact in how an elderly person feels in hot weather. They should wear loosely fitting tops that are lightweight. Heavy, dark clothing with tight weaves can trap heat next to the body, while light, loose-weave clothing keeps seniors cool. Family caregivers and elder care providers need to take extra precautions when the temperatures are rising.
The bottom line is that there are many factors that increase the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke in an elderly relative. Family caregivers and elder care providers have the resources they need to ensure their loved one spends a comfortable summer without complications from heat illnesses.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Des Plaines, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
Source:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/senior-health-pictures/ways-for-seniors-to-stay-safe-in-the-summer-heat.aspx#02
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