With the onset of sometimes scorching heat of summer, we want to make you aware of the various dangers that summertime can present to your elderly loved ones.
Most people see summer as a time for enjoying oneself and the outdoors, but for seniors summer can be among the most dangerous times of the year. Seniors are much more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, and are potentially more vulnerable to other threats that younger people take for granted. When you are providing any elderly care service for loved ones, you should be aware of the dangers and take note of these summer precautions for elderly care.
Elderly Care Service Providers: Recognizing Summertime Dangers to The Elderly
1. Heat
Simply put, the body of an elderly person has a harder time dealing with extreme heat than younger people. Excessive heat can become trapped in their body much more easily, doing damage, rather than being released through perspiration.
You should be able to recognize the signs of both heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is the milder of the two. Some symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Heavy sweating
- Paleness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Mild-to-moderate headache
- Cold/clammy skin
- Fast/weak pulse
- Rapid/shallow breathing
Heat exhaustion is a relatively minor problem if recognized quickly. Just take the elderly person to some place that is cool and provide plenty of clear fluids to rehydrate. However, if left unchecked, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a much more serious condition. Heatstroke warning signs include:
- Extremely high body temperature, over 103°F
- A total lack of perspiration
- Hot, dry, red skin
- Extreme throbbing headache
- Rapid heartbeat/strong pulse
- Extreme dizziness, nausea, and/or vomiting
If you believe your elderly loved one is suffering from one of these heat-related emergencies, seek immediate emergency medical attention. Heatstroke can result in disability or death if left untreated.
Preventing Heat Related Risks for Seniors
Inform Seniors of ways to stay safe, or practice these safety measures for their benefit.
- Ensure access to air conditioning or fans in hot weather and close blinds to keep room temperature below 78 degrees
- Schedule outdoor physical activity for cooler hours early/late in the day outside of peak heat hours
- Dress in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed hats
- Apply sunscreen to avoid sunburn
- Encourage liquids (plenty of water) every 30–60 minutes instead of waiting until very thirsty
2. Cognitive and Safety Challenges
As people age, they are more likely to develop mental health disorders like Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. These conditions can make them forgetful and confused, which can decrease their ability to stay safe in hot weather.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with one of these conditions, be extra careful when taking them outside during the summer months. To be sure that they understand why you are telling them what to do, be clear about your instructions and try not to raise your voice. You might even consider posting visual cues, like pictures of a hat and water bottle
To ensure seniors don’t wander off, especially in hot weather:
- Ensure doors/windows are secured
- Consider wearable ID and/or GPS trackers
