The heat of the summer is here and it is important to remember some vital safety tips for senior loved ones. Our senior loved ones are more prone to heat related illnesses and are more susceptible to dehydration risks. You can make sure that your loved one is being cared for and checked on daily with the help of Senior Helpers of Chattanooga. With the daily attention of an experienced and highly trained caregiver, your family can find peace of mind that there is less of a risk for heat stroke or other summer related illnesses. Heat stroke is a very serious heat related illness and any indication of heat stroke is a medical emergency. Elderly people do not adjust as well as younger people to sudden changes in heat and may be taking prescription drugs that do not allow their body to regulate its temperature or may inhibit perspiration. It is very important to make sure that your elderly loved one is receiving the type of senior care they need, especially in the hot summer months.
With the warm days of the season upon us, it is much easier to overextend ourselves, especially our elderly loved ones. No matter how much you prepare for the heat, there is always the possibility that your aging loved one could be negatively affected but the blistering summer sun. This is why it is so important to understand and be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat stroke to better prepare for immediate care when needed. Each person who suffers from heat stroke will experience it differently depending in a myriad of factors specific to their circumstances. Remember that the sooner you recognize the issue in your elderly loved one, the sooner you will be able to get the help your senior needs.
The most common signs and symptoms of heat stroke include:
- an abnormally high body temperature of about 105 degrees
- disorientation and general confusion
- throbbing headache
- Speeding pulse/heartbeat
- Having a hard time breathing including rapid or shallow breathing
- Seizure
- Red, hot, flushed dry skin with no sweating
- Agitation or irritation
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hallucinations
Whenever possible, remind your aging loved one to wear lighter colors. Lighter color paint, curtains and blankets stay cooler than darker colors. When family outings and other social events such as weddings and graduations call for time spent outdoors, it is important to help an elderly loved one to beat the heat. Remind your loved one to wear loose, breathable layers like cotton. A sun hat can also help to prevent sunburn on the skin. Bring an umbrella to help provide shade if trees or a canopy is not available at the event. It is important that your loved stay hydrated. Remind them to drink plenty of fluids while outdoors and find shade whenever possible. If there is a building nearby, help them to take breaks in air conditioning to keep cool. Many senior loved ones wish to remain active in their family activities as much as physically possible. In home help can provide the necessary reminders for staying cool so they are able to participate in these memorable functions and still beat the heat.
If you would like more information about the senior care services provided by Senior Helpers of Chattanooga, call 423-710-1500, to speak to a specialist who will work with you and your family to create a personalized care plan to best suit your loved one’s unique needs. It is important that your loved one receives a daily visitor to make sure that they are coping well in the hot summer months. Senior Helpers of Chattanooga is available to meet your family’s needs in Chattanooga, Hixson, Cleveland, Ooltewah, Signal Mountain.