Did you know that extreme heat has caused almost 7,500 heath related deaths in the United States from 1999-2010? Unfortunately, we are all susceptible to getting sick from the heat; some more than others. People over the age of 65 are at a high risk for heat-related illnesses. Why? There are a several reasons for it.
Poor circulations, inefficient sweat glands and changes to their skin (which is all a part of the natural adding process) can make it hard to an elder’s body to react to temperature changes. If an elderly person has not the best lungs or may have a medical condition such as asthma, COPD, etc. higher humidity can affect their breathing. Medications to treat diseases for heart, lung, or kidney can have an adverse effect during the hot months. Some diuretics, sedatives, heart and blood pressure drugs can cause elderly person to not be able to perspire to cool oneself down. Many times, an elderly person is not dressed appropriately. It is not because they don’t know what they should wear. It is usually because they are cold majority of the time, which then leads them to wear multiple layers which can do more harm than good during the summer/fall months. The elderly also more likely to not routinely keep their fluids in check. This is one of the major reason why the elderly become more likely to be dehydrated.
So how can we help our elderly loved ones throughout the summer months? First step is to be aware of the signs of a heat stroke. Warning signs can vary from person to person, however it typically includes the following:
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
- Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
If you see that your love one has any of these signs, see immediate medical assistance. While you wait, try to cool them down via shady area, cool them down with a bath (sponge or full immersion), fan them, etc. If that doesn’t work, and help hasn’t arrived yet; call your local emergency room for further instructions.
There are other illnesses that can arise from heat. They are heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat rashes. It is best to have some knowledge of these illnesses so you know what to be on the lookout for. Click here for more information on heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat rashes.
Second step check in on them at least twice a day during those hot days and those days where the air index is very high. By checking in on them, you can monitor their physical condition as well as encourage fluids. If you are not able to check in on them yourself, contact your love one’s neighbor to see if they would be able to check on them. Some questions to ask yourself when checking in.
- Drinking enough water?
- Do they have access to air conditioning and is it on?
- Do they know how to keep cool?
- Do they show any signs of heat stress?
If you and your loved one are able to, go to a library, the mall, and/or a movie theater. These places typically have air conditioning on all the time. In addition to keeping cool, you can rest assure that your loved one is keeping cool as well because you are right there with them.
Have a backup plan in case the power goes out or the air conditioning stops working. Hopefully you won’t need to use it, but you will be prepared should the need arise.
Share On: