Summer Seniors – How to Spot Hot Weather Hazards for the Elderly |
Posted: May 7, 2019 |
Flopping into a deckchair on the beach or sunbathing in the back garden is something that many of us love to do whenever the opportunity arises but for older people the hot weather can bring dangers. Those who have chronic medical issues can be especially vulnerable so it may help to find out more at the Live-in Care Hub (www.liveincarehub.co.uk) about what you can do to protect your elderly loved one this summer. Dehydration and OverheatingIt’s so easy to become dehydrated when temperatures rise and you may not even notice until you start to feel ill. Older people are at greater risk because older bodies become less efficient at regulating temperature; put bluntly, they sweat less so can’t get rid of excess heat. Factors which can cause overheating and dehydration in seniors include:
Where an older person lives alone it can be difficult to monitor these issues so one solution could be a switch to in home care; professional care services can provide essential supervision as detailed in the Better at Home Report. Signs of Heat Related IllnessEarly signs of dehydration include a feeling of dizziness, tiredness and headache and these can often be confused for general symptoms of fatigue. If hydration is not taken at this stage the symptoms can worsen into the more serious heatstroke which can often mean admission to hospital for intravenous hydration. These more serious symptoms can include muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting and fainting. In some cases of heatstroke the person appears to become confused. What to DoIf you suspect dehydration or heat exhaustion act fast to cool the person down. Place them in a cooler place if possible, remove any heavy garments and direct an electric fan towards them. Offer them a cool drink of water - not ice-cold as this can cause the blood vessels to constrict and hamper the cooling process. Get them to lie down and place a cold flannel across their forehead. Prevention is EssentialDuring hot weather it is best to try and stop your loved one from spending too long outdoors in the heat. When they do go out ensure they wear lightweight clothing and a wide brimmed sun hat for protection. Elderly skin is more vulnerable to the effects of sunburn so ensure they wear a protective sunscreen on exposed parts of the body. Make sure they drink water at regular intervals during the day but avoid alcohol! For those who have heart or breathing problems it’s best to stay out of the sun at its hottest. Encourage them to stay indoors with curtains closed and a fan blowing. Where breathing problems are worsened by extreme weather make sure your loved one has their inhalers handy.
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