Rising temperatures introduce a new set of risk factors for your senior loved ones. Throughout the summer, you must take special measures to protect your senior loved ones from high summer heat, and to keep them safe. These four tips will provide a strong foundation of protection for your loved ones and help improve senior safety this summer.
Hydrate and Electrolyze
As humans age, they lose the ability to retain water efficiently. In addition, seniors sweat less efficiently than younger people so they are missing a key component of the body’s cooling mechanism. Seniors may also become dehydrated because they are unable to discern thirst as well as they once did.
Seniors probably need to drink more than just water to meet their hydration requirements because they need to increase their electrolyte intake. Caffeine and alcohol increase the risk of dehydration, but supplements and the right combination of liquids can help you keep your senior loved ones safely hydrated.
Stay Cool
Air conditioners and fans are the best line of defense against high heat; unfortunately, many seniors lack access to proper home cooling or may avoid using it due to financial concerns.
A home care provider in Bala Cynwyd can provide support by taking your loved one to a safe, cool place during the day. Senior centers and libraries host programs for seniors during the hottest hours of the day that will keep them cool, even if they are unable to afford air conditioning in their homes.
Communicate Often
When the temperature gets high, the body responds by shutting down, leading to increased risk of hypothermia and heat stroke. Seniors suffering from one of these conditions may be incapable of calling for help, so their symptoms may continue to worsen. Heat stroke can be life threatening. Make sure your senior loved ones and caregivers know the signs of hypothermia and how to get help if needed. Some typical symptoms are:
- Confusion, agitation, grouchiness or other change in behavior
- Lack of perspiration on a hot day
- Headache
- Rapid breaths or pulse
- Flushed skin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Passing out
Verbal communication with your senior loved ones will provide confirmation of their welfare. Plan to check in twice a day, at least once during the heat of the day.
Either you or a Home care provider in Bala Cynwyd should be available to take them to a safe place if the heat is too much for them.
Post Emergency Contact Information
In some cases overheating can cause health problems in seniors within a short time, which means that every second counts in a heat related emergency.
Make sure that your loved ones have a list of emergency contact numbers readily accessible, both on their phone and in hard copy. The list should include your contact information, the numbers of other family members, emergency aid, and a local source of assistance such as a home care provider in Bala Cynwyd. Each person on the list should be committed to responding to a request for assistance when called.
Trust Neighborly Home Care
Neighborly Home Care supplies caregivers with peace of mind and a trained, professional helping hand to care for their senior loved ones. In-home services from Neighborly Home Care ensure that someone is always just a phone call away when summer heat sets in.
For more information regarding ways to improve senior safety this summer as well as options and available services, contact Neighborly Home Care today at 610-658-5822.