Elder Care: Signs Of Heat Related Symptoms In Senior Citizens
As our parents age, and we become their caregiver, some of the idiosyncasies that they may have had tend to become more pronounced. Our parents lived through the Great Depression, and sometimes they tend to want to live frugally and conserve money or services. Senior parents will sometimes seek false economies at the risk of their health. One thing you may notice is false energy conservation by turning down or turning off the air conditioning.
If living with you, you would likely notice this, however if your senior parent is living on their own, you may not realize they have turned off the air conditioning until you visit. Unfortunately, some of our elderly parents may not recognize that they are suffering from heat related symptoms, and without maintaining their body temperature, they may be causing life-threatening conditions.
Long-term exposure to extreme heat may result in symptoms that can be catastrophic. A few of these include:
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is the struggle for the body to maintain stable temperature. Thirst, dizziness, weakness and nausea may be signs the body cannot cool itself. There could be profuse sweating and the person appears to be uncoordinated. To deter heat exhaustion, keep your parent hydrated and take them to a cool place, out of the sun or the heat.
Heat Edema
Edema, which means swelling, is a sign that the body is retaining water. Swelling of the legs and ankles may also be symptoms of circulatory system issues. It’s important to keep an eye on any edema and encourage your senior citizen to rest their legs and prop them on a cushion.
Heat Cramps
Cramps can be the result of exercise or depletion of elements from the body from sweating. These painful tightenings may affect the stomach, legs or arms. Potassium, unless otherwise regulated by medication, is a good remedy for cramps. Be sure to check with your healthcare professional before offering any remedy other than cooling the person and keeping them hydrated.
Heat Syncope
If your parent takes a beta blocker and is not used to hot weather, he or she is likely to feel faint in the heat. Sudden dizziness is a sign that you should have your parent get to a cool place and put up his or her feet and rest.
Heat Stroke
Heat Strokes can be deadly require immediate medical attention.
Signs of a Heat Stroke:
- Fainting
- Not sweating (despite heat)
- Delirious
- Coma, coma-like symptoms
- Dry, flushed skin and rapid pulse
- Slow, weak pulse
- Behavior change - confusion, ill-tempered, staggering
- Body temperature above 104 degree Fahrenheit
Remedies for most heat related symptoms include getting the person to a cooler environment, having them rest, and keeping them hydrated. Be sure to be n the look out for any symptoms, as many seniors may not recognize the symptoms, or fear going to the doctor.
What concerns do you have with your elderly parent? Do you have concerns related to the summer season and how they will handle the heat? Do you notice your parent attempting these false economies and turning off the air conditioning?
prn is a home health care provider located in the Pittsburgh metro area, specializing in elder health, home health care, in-home health services and long term care.