The weather is getting warmer, and your senior parent should have personal care at home to help them stay cool. Extreme heat can be very dangerous for seniors, because seniors have trouble regulating their body temperature. And every year the temperatures are getting hotter.
One of the best ways for seniors to stay cool is to take cool baths and showers frequently when it’s hot. Personal care at home is designed to help seniors shower safely, so it’s really something that all seniors should have.
You can lower the risk that your parent will fall or get hurt showering in the warm weather by making sure they have a home care provider who is skilled at helping seniors with hygiene tasks.
Other Ways To Help Your Parent Stay Cool
Daily cool baths or showers are great for helping seniors regulate their body temperature and avoid getting overheated. But they’re not the only way to help your parent stay cool when the temperatures soar. You can also help your senior parent stay cool by:
Keeping the House Cool During the Day
One of the best ways to help your senior parent stay comfortable is by keeping the home as cool as possible.
Close blinds, curtains, or shades during the hottest part of the day to block sunlight from heating the rooms. If your parent has air conditioning, make sure it is working properly and set to a comfortable temperature.
Fans can also help move cool air around the house. Try to keep your parent in the coolest room, especially during the afternoon when temperatures are highest.
Encouraging Them To Drink Plenty of Fluids
Older adults can become dehydrated very quickly in hot weather. Seniors sometimes do not feel thirsty even when their body needs water.
Encourage your parent to drink water often throughout the day. You can also offer cold drinks like flavored water, iced herbal tea, or low-sugar fruit drinks if they enjoy them more. Popsicles are also a good cool treat that can help your parent avoid getting dry mouth.
You may always want to offer them snacks with high water content, such as watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries.
Dress Them in Lightweight Clothing
Heavy clothing can trap heat and make seniors feel uncomfortable. Help your parent wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothes made from breathable fabrics like cotton. Light-colored clothing is also helpful because it reflects heat better than dark colors. Comfortable clothing can make a big difference in helping your parent stay cool indoors and outdoors during hot weather.
Limit Outdoor Activities During Peak Heat
The hottest part of the day is usually between late morning and early evening. Try to schedule walks, errands, or medical appointments earlier in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
If your parent enjoys sitting outside, choose a shaded area and keep visits short on extremely hot days. Limiting time outdoors during high heat can lower the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Use Cold Washcloths or Cooling Towels
A simple way to help cool your parent down is by placing a cool washcloth or cooling towel on their neck, wrists, or forehead.
These areas help the body cool more quickly. You can keep a few damp washcloths in the refrigerator so they are ready to use during especially hot days. If your parent is sensitive to heat because of medications that they take, a cold washcloth on their pulse points can help them feel cooler fast.
Watch for Signs of Heat-Related Illness
Seniors are more sensitive to heat, so it is important to watch for warning signs of overheating. Symptoms may include dizziness, weakness, confusion, headache, nausea, or unusual tiredness.
If your parent seems confused, very sleepy, or complains about feeling sick in the heat, take action right away by moving them to a cooler area and encouraging fluids.
In serious cases, contact a doctor or seek medical help. Paying close attention to these signs can help prevent dangerous heat-related problems.
If you or an aging loved one are considering personal care at home in Plum Boro, PA please contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care Pittsburgh today. Call 412-241-7292
Extended Family Care Pittsburgh is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania including Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Fayette County, Mercer County, Washington County, North Hills, South Hills, Fox Chapel, Monroeville, Murrysville, Oakland, Plum Boro, Squirrel Hill.
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