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Summer months bring sweltering days that can put everyone at risk. Too much heat is ever riskier for older adults, who do not adjust as well to sudden temperature changes as others. They are also more likely to suffer from chronic conditions and take medications that affect their ability to control temperature or sweat.
What to do:
• Drink plenty of liquids, such as water, fruit and vegetable juices. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Contact your health care provider if you are told to limit fluids.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
• Stay in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible. At home, keep shades, blinds, or curtains closed during the hottest part of the day.
• Do not engage in strenuous activities.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Use the stove or oven less and avoid hot, heavy meals.
• If you must go outside, schedule activities for when it is coolest. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen, widebrimmed hats, and sunglasses.
• Stay informed: watch the news for health and safety updates.
Caregivers play a critical role in helping to prevent heat-related illness in older adults. If you are a caregiver, visit those in your care frequently. Make sure they are staying hydrated, have access to air-conditioning, and are not showing signs of heat stress. If so, seek medical care immediately.
Signs of heat stress include muscle cramps, headaches, nausea, vomiting, red, hot, dry skin, dizziness, and/or extremely high body temperature.
If you’re caring for someone living with dementia, make sure objects can’t be placed in the blades of a portable fan. If wandering is an issue, install an alarm that alerts you if a door or window has been opened. Ask the doctor if any of your loved one’s medications increase the risk of becoming overheated. Closely monitor any time spent in a pool.
Senior Cool Care is a program administered by VPAS that provides fans and/or air-conditioners to those who are eligible and need additional cooling in their homes. For more information, call Laynee Knick at Maury River Senior Services at (540) 261-7474.
