With warmer weather always comes some concern about how seniors will safely navigate the upcoming heat. Those aged over 65 are the most common group hospitalised with heat-related injuries each year.1 At Home Care Assistance, we know that seniors are more prone to getting ill from the heat, and therefore, it is important to take precautions to help them cope and stay safe during hot weather, particularly during heat waves. We have put together this blog about the risks of heat for seniors and practical tips to keep them safe and comfortable.
Understanding the Risks of Heats for Seniors.
Seniors have physical changes in their bodies that make them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Seniors are less able to regulate their body temperature. We tend to sweat less as we age, and our blood does not circulate efficiently. As a result, it is harder to cool down during extreme heat. Older adults also often do not get as thirsty, even when dehydrated. This can lead to them not having enough fluid intake during warmer weather.
Underlying chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory issues can all be exacerbated by high temperatures, leading to flare-ups of these conditions during warm weather. At the same time, medications seniors may be taking to address their chronic health conditions can further affect their ability to handle heat and stay hydrated.
Stay Hydrated: The Importance of Fluid Intake
It is important to encourage seniors to drink enough fluids. This can be achieved by getting used to having a glass of water with every meal and a drink bottle within easy access to be filled and drunk a certain number of times during the day. Hydration can also be supported through the consumption of foods with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges. It is important to stay away from or limit dehydrating beverages such as those containing caffeine or alcohol.
Keep Homes Cool and Comfortable
Using curtains or blinds to limit sun and heat entering the house can help keep it cool. Opening doors or windows in different parts of the house to create a cross breeze can also help the house cool down towards the end of the day. Air conditioning can make a massive difference during the hottest part of the day. Closing off a section of the house to cool and staying there can help keep the cost of running an air conditioner down. If your loved one does not have air conditioning, it can be a good idea to go somewhere cooler during the hottest part of the day, whether that be a family member or friend’s house, a shopping centre, or even the local library. Some libraries even extend their hours in heatwaves to provide a cool place for people.
Dress for the Weather
Dressing appropriately is also important in the heat. Lightweight, breathable clothing that is loose-fitting and preferably made of natural fabrics is best. If you’re going outside, hats and sunglasses can help keep you cool. While not clothing, it can also be useful to wet a hand towel and put it in the fridge. Then, it’s a nice cool pack that can be used. You can do the same with gel ice packs as well.
Modify Daily Routines to Avoid Peak Heat
Staying inside during the hottest parts of the day is good – if errands need to be run, then it is best to do these early or late. Avoiding doing tasks in the middle of the heat of the day is important, particularly outdoor activities such as gardening; it is also important to limit strenuous activities during the heat. If it is a scorching day, maybe that activity can wait a day or two until it is cooler. While exercise is still important during summer, it might be best done in an air-conditioned location or at the beginning or end of the day.
Maintain Regular Health Check-ups
Keeping on top of chronic health conditions reduces the risk of them being exacerbated by the heat. It is also important for seniors to know if their health conditions or medications place them at an increased risk of heat-related illness – this way, they know to take extra care. If your loved one is feeling unwell from the heat or experiencing a flare-up of a health condition because of the heat, they should seek medical attention.
Heat poses challenges and safety issues for seniors. Being aware of this means taking steps to minimise any negative effects. By following these tips, you can help your loved one stay safe and healthy this summer.
Support at home from a specialist provider, such as Home Care Assistance, can bring enormous benefits and comfort to your quality of life while living independently at home. Home Care Assistance has viable solutions when it comes to supporting independent living. For more information, get in touch with a Home Care Assistance near me today.
