Keeping Your Loved One Safe When it’s Hot

During the winter months, Carol spent most of her time inside. Now, she is able to go out on the patio at her nursing home to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. She and her friend Sue try to go out almost daily to see how the garden is progressing and to feed the chipmunks. As spring has turned to summer, there have been some days that are too hot. They try to go out before the sun is high in the sky, but Carol is especially sensitive to heat and sometimes she only lasts a few minutes.

Summer brings many joys and it is generally easier to go outside. It is wonderful to get fresh air without having to bundle up. However, there are risks associated with the summer. One of the main issues is heat, which poses a greater risk to seniors than other age groups.

Why does heat affect seniors differently?

Elderly people are more likely to suffer from heat stress since it takes their bodies longer to adjust to abrupt temperature changes. This can be worsened by chronic medical conditions that further impair their bodies’ capacity to adapt. In addition to these factors, medications may inhibit perspiration or interfere with the ability to regulate temperature. 

Keep in mind that people with Alzheimer’s or dementia may not realize when they are thirsty. It may be necessary to cue your loved ones and frequently remind them to take sips of water.

Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat exposure can lead to a range of health problems. Below are some of the symptoms and signs to watch for.

Dehydration

When the body doesn’t have enough fluids, one can experience weakness, headaches, muscle cramps, dizziness, and confusion. To prevent dehydration, it is important to drink water or sports drinks that contain electrolytes. You may also want to drink juice, but avoid caffeine and alcohol as these are diuretics, which cause further loss of fluid. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.

For people with diabetes or on water pills, it is important to discuss hydration with a doctor. Sports drinks or juice may not be appropriate choices and the amount of liquid consumed may require close monitoring.

Heat Stroke

This is caused by an extreme rise in body temperature and can happen slowly over a period of days of exposure to heat. Signs of heat stroke include a temperature of 104°F, nausea, dizziness, and red, dry, hot skin. If there are concerns about heat stroke, it is necessary to call 911 immediately. Try to cool the person down by removing excess or heavy clothing, dousing with cool water or placing damp cloths on their wrists, ankles, armpits, and neck. Only give the person drinks if they are conscious and can swallow.

Heat Exhaustion

This can be a warning sign for heat stroke. Symptoms include weakness, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, fainting, and fast and shallow breathing. Skin may be cool and moist as the individual loses fluids.

Preventing Heat-related Illnesses

To ensure a comfortable summer, there are many ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from the heat.

• Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• If possible, stay in air conditioning. If this is not available at home, visit air conditioned places, such as the mall or a library—even a few hours out of the heat can help keep your body cool after you are exposed to heat again. Your local health department will be able to provide information about heat-relief centers.
• Take cool—not cold—showers or baths.
• Fans may make you more comfortable, but keep in mind that they will not prevent heat-related illnesses when it is extremely hot outside.
• Plan outdoor activities carefully so that time in the sun is limited and you are not out during the hottest times of the day.

Carol dons her blue sun hat and a loose long-sleeved white linen shirt before going out on the patio with Sue. The past few days have been very hot so they have spent their time inside to benefit from the air conditioning. Today, there is a breeze and the temperature is perfect. With water bottles in hand, they wander over to a table in the shade. Birds are singing, bumblebees are buzzing by, and the chipmunks are already scurrying over to seek out a treasure trove of peanuts.