Elderly adults are especially susceptible to heat illnesses when the mercury rises during the summer months. Seniors have a harder time regulating their internal body temperature, as they don’t sweat as much and can easily become dehydrated without even knowing it. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke in seniors can result in damage to the heart, brain and kidneys. In some cases, extreme heat exposure can lead to death.

The good news is that heat-related illnesses are completely preventable, especially when family members have a plan for keeping cool this summer. Family caregivers and elderly care providers need to take a lot of precautions to ensure aging adults don’t succumb to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Here are 5 tips that help seniors beat the summer heat.

1. Cool The Air

Family caregivers and elderly care providers need to make the air cooler so the elderly person can be comfortable. Turning on the air conditioning is an easy solution, but that isn’t an option for some people. They can keep the curtains closed when the sun is shining on that side of the house, and use fans to circulate the air around. In extreme cases, family caregivers and elderly care providers can take the aging adult to the mall or a movie theater where there is air conditioning.

2. Drink Lots of Liquids

Elderly people can easily become dehydrated and they should be prompted to drink lots of water when it is hot. Many seniors carry around a water bottle so they can sip all day long. Other sources of liquid include ice pops, sports drinks, soup, watery fruits and vegetables and juice.

3. Watch for Diuretics

There are certain substances that causes the body to expel urine more quickly than normal. One of the most common diuretics is caffeine, so seniors should avoid drinking soda, coffee and tea in large quantities. Alcohol is also a powerful diuretic and can throw off the body’s fluid balance quickly. Many medicines that seniors must take on a regular basis are also diuretics.

4. Dress Properly

Family caregivers and elderly care providers can assist seniors in making wise choices for clothing when it is hot. They should avoid form fitting and tight clothing with a thick weave, because that can trap heat close to the body. Instead, they should opt for light colored and loose-fitting clothing. Fabrics with a larger weave can help keep the body cool.

5. Keep Cool With Water

Not only can water help with dehydration, but it can provide relief in the summer heat. Elderly care providers can use a damp cool washcloth to moisten an elderly person’s face, neck, arms and hands. Alight mist of cool water from a spray bottle is refreshing when sitting in front of a fan. Even a wet bandana around the neck can bring relief from the heat.

There are many ways that elderly adults can avoid heat-related illnesses, with help from their family caregivers and elderly care providers. Implementing these strategies can mean the difference between staying healthy and happy all summer or suffering from illnesses related to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Source:

https://www.medicinenet.com/11_tips_surviving_a_heat_wave/views.htm

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in The Heights, TX, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.

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Donna Wrabel, LMSW

Co-Owner at At Your Side Home Care

For most of us, the word "home" evokes warm feelings of comfort, security and well-being. For older adults, home also means holding tight to cherished memories and maintaining self-esteem and independence. When illness, injury or age make life a little more challenging, remaining at home in a comfortable, familiar environment encourages recovery and enhances the quality of life. Home can be defined as a private residence, an independent or assisted living facility or even a short term stay in the hospital, we recognize the additional benefits provided by a personal, professional assistant.

Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.

Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week

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