“Today’s forecast – hot and humid.” That sounds like a typical Southwest Florida summer forecast, doesn’t it?
As the mercury rises in the summer, so does the chance that a senior will suffer from a heat-related problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults over age 65 are more prone to difficulties with their bodies handling the heat because of the body’s natural aging process. In addition, some prescription medications can also hinder the body’s ability to cool itself down.
7 Tips to Help Your Senior Stay Cool This Summer
What can you do to help the senior in your life, and their friends, stay cool and beat the heat? Here are seven tips that are easy to do and will help your loved one avoid heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
- Keep your house cool. If you have air conditioning, keep it at a comfortable level for your senior. If you don’t have AC, keep the house cooler using multiple fans. Limit the use of the oven, keep curtains closed during the middle of the day, and open your windows at night.
- Stay hydrated. The best choices to keep a senior hydrated – water and vegetable and fruit juices. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake as they can actually dehydrate someone on a hot day. Instead, have them sip water throughout the day. If they wait until they’re thirsty, they’re probably already dehydrated.
- Limit their exercise outdoors. If they are involved in any outdoor physical activities, even walking, limit it to earlier in the day when the temperature is at its coolest levels.
- If your senior is showing signs of being over-heated, use a cool sponge, shower, or bath to cool them down.
- Have them wear light-colored, lightweight clothing.
- In some settings, such as a doctor’s office, wearing a face mask still isn’t optional. Bring an extra one for them in case the one they’re wearing gets sweaty.
- Know the symptoms of a heat-related illness.
These can include:
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Swelling of the legs and feet
- Heat exhaustion – the body can’t keep itself cool
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Seniors who are dehydrated and who have chronic diseases are at an increased risk. Watch carefully for the symptoms above and react immediately if you see any of them. If you can’t bring their temperature down and their symptoms worsen, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Call Home Instead Senior Care For Care Management
Home Instead of Southwest Florida guards the health and safety of our clients. If they aren’t reacting well to the heat, we’re there to help them. Our caregivers are trained, screened, and compassionate. You can rest easy knowing that we’re there for them.
Contact us to receive the highest-quality in-home senior care in Ft. Myers, Naples, Port Charlotte, and the surrounding area. We’ll schedule a no-cost, no-obligation visit to discuss your family’s needs and answer any questions you might have.
