The elderly are especially at risk in high heat conditions. Colorado has been experiencing extreme temperatures this summer. We need to check in on our elderly loved ones to be sure they are healthy and safe. If you live in another city, please be sure that someone you know is able to check on your elderly loved one. It is important to be sure the elderly are properly hydrated and are not suffering from heat exhaustion. In-home senior care agency, Extended Family Home Care, takes the extreme temperatures very seriously when it comes to caring for our elderly clients. Our in-home caregivers ensure that senior clients are getting an adequate amount of liquids and are staying out of the extremely high temperatures. Many elderly clients are getting out of their very hot homes with their caregivers and enjoying movies, shopping and museums. Others, unable to bare the heat at all, are having in-home caregivers handle the errands and shopping for them as they just aren’t up to it in the extreme temperatures.
Is your neighbor an elderly person? Consider knocking on their door and asking how things are going. Invite them into air conditioning, offer to take them to an air conditioned mall or other building. Offer to run errands for them so they can stay out of the extreme heat.
Eight Tips on Keeping Seniors Safe in the Summer Heat
- Drink plenty of liquids – eight or more 8-ounce glasses per day and/or fruit juices every day to stay hydrated.
- Stay indoors during extreme heat.
- Dress appropriately. Wear loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics such as cotton. Dress in light colors that will reflect the sun and heat instead of darker colors that will attract them.
- When outdoors, protect your skin from damage by wearing hats, sunglasses and a sunscreen of 30 SPF or more.
- If you do not have air conditioning in your home, consider going somewhere that does to get a break from the heat. A movie theater, the mall, a friend or relative’s home or a community senior center are all good options.
- If you are absolutely unable to leave the house and do not have air conditioning, take a cool bath or shower to lower your body temperature on extremely hot days.
- Temperatures inside the home should not exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods of time.
- Know the signs of heat stroke including flushed face, high body temperature, headache, nausea, rapid pulse, dizziness and confusion and take immediate action if you feel these symptoms.
