Keep your cool this summer and maintain your health!
With summer upon us, it is a good idea to refresh our knowledge with respect to heat exhaustion, heat stroke and elderly dehydration. Summer heat can be dangerous for your health. However, for seniors, beating the heat is even more critical. It is so important to keep a close eye on our loved ones, young or old, to ensure that they are comfortable and hydrated. Here is a handy, quick summary that may be timely. Please feel free to forward this to anyone you feel would be interested.
Elderly At Higher Risk
These conditions are especially worrisome in the elderly. In terms of heat exposure, their body temperature gauges become less reliable with age. They can heat up very quickly not realizing that they have entered “dangerous territory”. Likewise with dehydration, the elderly’s sense of thirst decreases with age and they may not realize that they have become parched enough to become seriously dehydrated.
Older adults and young children are often the most at-risk groups for heat-related illnesses. Taking certain medications like beta blockers and diuretics, having medical issues like heart disease and just living alone all increase your risk for heat stress and common traits among senior citizens. Heat stress can result in minor inconveniences like heat rash or cramping or it can create serious problems like dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Preventing elderly dehydration and heat-related illness is an important part of senior home health.
Symptoms
Pay attention to your body when it’s warm and be aware of the symptoms of heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. (This is good advice for any age.) Here are a few symptoms to watch out for when the weather gets warm:
- Hot, dry skin.
- Paleness, even when hot.
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion or disorientation
- Rapid heart rate
- Fainting
Treatments
If you or a loved one is suffering from elderly dehydration or any of the above symptoms, seek medical help immediately. Call 911 and cool the person down by getting them to shade or air conditioning as quickly as possible. Use any means necessary to cool the body’s temperature like wet towels, a hose or ice packs placed in the armpits and groin area.
Prevention
Prevention of elderly dehydration is far better than dealing with the consequences and treatment. If the temperature is over 80 degrees Fahrenheit, seniors need to take precautions.
- Make sure your AC is functioning.
- Younger people should check on older loved ones often.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Stay indoors if the heat index is high.
- Discuss all your medications with your doctor to learn which can increase your risk of heat-related illnesses.
David York Agency Home Healthcare Can Help Seniors in Queens
At David York Agency, we always remind our home health aides to keep clients cool and well hydrated with water or other beverages as well as to pay a close eye for any signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration.
We understand the many challenges and risks faced by the aging and elderly and are dedicated to providing care to support them through all of those ups and down. At David York Home Healthcare Agency, extraordinary service is what sets us apart from other companies in Queens that provide in home healthcare services.
DYA we could provide direction as to how to manage the total care of your senior loved one. Whatever your care needs, we are there for you, always striving to exceed your expectations. For more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at (718) 376-7755. A free phone consultation can help you determine what services would meet your needs. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance they need. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
For more helpful tips and information, check out our blog or contact us today.
