Summer season safety tips help seniors avoid heat-related illness.
The longer days of summer mean extra time for swimming, family cookouts, gardening, and all of those other delightful seasonal pursuits. However, it also means an elevated risk for a number of health concerns for seniors, who are more susceptible to heat-related issues such as:
- Heat syncope (faintness/dizziness)
- Heat cramps
- Heat edema (swelling)
- Heat exhaustion
- And the most severe: heat stroke, an emergency needing immediate medical aid, exhibiting with symptoms which include:
- Fainting, sometimes to the point of unconsciousness
- Behavioral changes such as moodiness, irritability, confusion, loss of balance, as well as others
- Increased body temperature
- Flushed, dry skin
- Pulse rate that is either weak and slow or rapid and strong
- A lack of sweat
Adding to the danger are factors such as:
- Acute conditions which can include lung, heart, or kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Particular medications, such as diuretics and sedatives
- A BMI that is over or below normal
- Use of alcohol
- Poor blood circulation
- And more
What are some ways to best assist the seniors you love take pleasure in all that summertime has to offer, while preventing a medical crisis? Our experts in home health in Corpus Christi and nearby communities have gathered some important summer season safety tips.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Make certain an abundance of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages are always within reach of your older family members.
- Maintain a cool home environment. In the event that the residence is not air conditioned, make certain window blinds are kept closed during the day, fans are utilized, and windows are opened in the evenings. If it’s still uncomfortably hot, look into alternative arrangements during the day, for example, attending a senior day program or spending time at the shopping center or library.
- Structure activities accordingly. Limit exercise as well as other physically-exerting activities to the coolest parts of the day: during the early morning hours or evening. It’s also a good idea to abstain from running errands during peak times when stores tend to be more crowded.
- Dress wisely. Loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers, such as cotton, are most comfortable. When outdoors, add a large hat for shade, and naturally, an adequate amount of sunscreen.
- Assign a buddy. During family get-togethers, select someone to be readily available to help keep a close watch on older loved ones to ensure they remain comfortable.
For more summer season safety tips for older adults, contact Anthem Home Care, the leading provider of home health in Corpus Christi and the surrounding areas. We’re also an ideal companion for seniors through the summer months and beyond, offering as much or as little care and support at home as needed to ensure optimal health and wellbeing, including meal preparation and monitoring food and fluid intake, engagement in pleasant conversations and pastimes, transportation to fun outings, and so much more.
Email or call us at 361-643-2323 to learn more about our senior care services and also to ask about a no-cost in-home assessment today. To find out if our top-rated home care services are available in your community, please visit this page of our website.