As summers get hotter and hotter, seniors face bigger challenges related to high temperatures. Heat stress is a big concern and seniors are especially vulnerable to it. Understanding the risks of heat-related illnesses and knowing how to help seniors avoid these issues is so crucial. Companion care at home providers can help families find the right way to keep seniors cooler and safer in the summer heat.
What Is Heat Stress?
Heat stress occurs when seniors aren’t able to keep their bodies cool, which causes core body temperature to continue to rise. This can lead to a variety of heat-related illnesses like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Heat cramps are muscle spasms caused by heavy sweating. Heat exhaustion is a more serious condition that includes heavy sweating, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and fainting. Heat stroke is life-threatening. Body temperatures often rise above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to confusion, loss of consciousness, and even organ damage.
Why Are Aging Adults More at Risk of Heat Stress?
Seniors have a diminished ability to regulate their body temperatures. They can experience trouble during cold weather as well as during hot weather, so family members need to understand why this happens. These concerns with temperature regulation are exaggerated with certain pre-existing health conditions and even medications seniors take to manage their health. Seniors must be aware of the risks related to heat stress and heat-related illnesses.
Symptoms of Heat Stress
One of the most obvious signs of heat stress is excessive sweating, but at some point, seniors may stop sweating. This is even more dangerous. Skin that is red, dry, and hot can indicate heat stroke. Rapid pulse, dizziness, and weakness can all be indications that seniors are experiencing heat stress. Other serious symptoms include nausea, vomiting, confusion, and disorientation.
How Can Companion Care at Home Help?
Companion care at home providers are well-versed in watching for signs of heat stress in aging adults. They can help to monitor seniors throughout the day and encourage them to sip water and other hydrating beverages. Companion care at home also ensures that seniors are in a comfortable, cool environment if it’s at all possible. They can also help seniors to dress appropriately for the weather, ensuring they don’t overheat because of clothing.
Preparing for Hot Weather
When heat alerts are active, family members and seniors need to know what to do. Having an action plan for responding to heat stress means recognizing symptoms and responding quickly. Companion care at home is familiar with helping seniors quickly, whether it’s with heat-related illnesses or other concerns. It’s a good idea for seniors to avoid heavy activity when the weather is expected to be overly warm. This helps them to avoid exerting themselves when it’s already expected to be hot.
With the right support, heat stress doesn’t have to be something that seniors have to battle. Companion care at home can keep family members aware of what is going on, especially if seniors are struggling in warmer weather. They provide regular monitoring, ensuring seniors are properly hydrated and that they get medical attention right away if they do need it.
Sources: https://www.agingcare.com/articles/benefits-of-hiring-home-care-for-an-older-adult
https://www.visitingangels.com/knowledge-center/care-options/4-benefits-of-aging-in-place/348
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home Services in Hershey PA please contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care Lancaster today. Call (717) 391-6363
Extended Family Care Lancaster is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Lancaster, Pennsylvania including Columbia, Elizabethtown, Ephrata, Hershey, Lebanon, Lititz, Manheim, New Holland, and Paradise.
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