Senior Safety And Elder Care - How To Beat The Heat
When the weather gets hot, sometimes our aging parents are not prepared to avoid heatstroke or heat exhaustion. Seniors are more prone to heat related ailments and have more problems with hot weather for several reasons:
!. Seniors don't always feel the heat
2. Seniors are less likely to feel thirsty, even if almost dehydrated.
3. If there are medical complications, some medicines may further dehydrate or cause lowered sensitivity to the demands of their body.
To keep your elderly parent or aging family member safe when the weather is hot, assume that any time the thermometer is over 90 degrees, it's too hot for them to be outside. Try to keep your oldster in an air conditioned environment - if you are out, try a restaurant or mall, or even a senior center or library. Don't engage in strenuous activity. Before venturing out, be sure your parent is dressed in lightweight, light colored clothing. Hats are great to help ward off sunburn and also reduce sensitive thin skin from burns. Be sure your senior drinks plenty of fluids and is well hydrated - if their urine is dark, they are not hydrated.
There are a few warning signs to keep in mind for your elderly parent. If your senior shows signs of dizziness or confusion, has a headache or is suddenly weak, that could be signs of dehydration or heat stroke. Other signs may include sudden muscle cramps, a feeling of nausea or actual vomiting. If you senior passes out, or show signs of swooning with a weak pulse, take them to a cool place quickly and call for medical attention.
Keep in mind that the body will sweat to cool itself, and this could cause an imbalance in the chemicals within the blood stream. Electrolyte drinks are good but must be moderated if the elder has taken medications to thin the blood or reduce fluids.
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.